The pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and laidback lifestyle draw many people to make the move to Hawaii. But before you start packing your bags, it’s important to understand the costs associated with a Hawaii move.
From transportation to housing, costs quickly add up. This guide breaks down average moving costs to Hawaii to help you budget and plan.
Transportation Costs
One of the biggest expenses is transporting your belongings. Hawaii’s islands are located over 2,500 miles from the US mainland, which significantly impacts shipping costs. Expect to spend:
- $5,000 to $10,000 to ship a 1-2 bedroom home worth of belongings from the West Coast.
- $10,000 to $15,000 to ship from the Midwest or East Coast.
- For a larger 3-4 bedroom home, shipping costs range from $8,000 from the West Coast up to $20,000 from the East Coast.
Your exact relocation quote will depend on:
- Distance traveled
- Weight and dimensions of your belongings
- Level of service (door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, etc)
Pro tip: Consider purging and downsizing before your move. The less you ship, the lower your transport fees.
In addition to shipping, you’ll need to factor in airfare if flying or fuel if driving your own vehicle. Budget $500-$1,000 per person for airfare and up to $1,500 for fuel and lodging if driving. Don’t forget about any costs to ship your car, which starts around $1,000.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the largest relocation expense. Hawaii home prices are among the highest in the nation, with the median Oahu home valued around $860,000. Maui, Kauai, and Big Island have slightly lower but still pricey median home values from $615,000 to $725,000.
Overall, expect Hawaii housing to cost:
- 50% to over 100% more than many mainland metro areas
- At least double what you’d pay in more affordable southern or midwestern states
If purchasing a home, brace yourself for high mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance premiums. For a $700,000 home, you may spend:
- Mortgage payment: $3,000+ per month
- Property tax: $700+ per month
- Insurance: $200+ per month
Renting is more budget-friendly, though still higher than many parts of the mainland. One-bedroom units start around $1,500/month, while two to three bedrooms average $2,000 to $3,500/month.
Pro tip: Work with a local real estate agent to identify neighborhoods offering better value and utilize programs like the ARC Realtor Rebate to save thousands off agent commissions.
Utilities
With Hawaii’s tropical climate, you can expect significantly lower heating bills. However, the elevated cost of food, gas, and other goods make basic utilities pricier. Budget:
- Electricity: $200 to $400 per month
- Water/Sewer: $100 to $150 monthly
- Internet: $60 to $100 per month
- Cell phone: $75 to $100 per person monthly
- Gasoline: $0.50 more per gallon than most mainland states
Furniture & Household Items
You’ll likely need to purchase some new furnishings and household staples like kitchenware and linens after relocating. Hawaii’s remote location makes shipped goods expensive.
Expect costs for locally purchased items to be 20% to 50% higher than comparable US mainland stores. Budget several thousand dollars to get settled with basic furnishings, appliances, decor, and necessities.
Pro tip: Time your move so essential items can be purchased during Hawaii’s tax-free week in August. You’ll save 4-5% on local purchases.
Food Prices
Hawaii residents pay the highest grocery prices in the nation. Expect food costs to be 50% or more higher than what you currently pay. Budget:
- Milk: $6 per gallon
- Eggs: $4 to $6 per dozen
- Chicken breast: $8 per pound
- Apples: $5 per pound
- Restaurant meal: $15 to $25 per entree
You’ll find some deals on fresh local fish, pineapple, avocado, and other produce. But overall, plan for food costs to take a big bite from your relocation budget.
Vehicle Costs
Bringing your own car saves the cost of buying or leasing a new vehicle. But you still need to factor in:
- Auto shipping: $1,000+
- Registration & inspection: $400+
- Higher gas costs: $0.50 more per gallon
- Insurance increase: potentially 10% to 20% more
If you need to purchase a car in Hawaii, expect to pay 10% or more compared to mainland prices due to added transportation fees.
Pro tip: Skip the shipping costs by selling your mainland vehicle and using the funds to buy once relocated. Reliable used cars are abundant on the islands.
Employment Expenses
Relocating for a new job in Hawaii? You’ll likely have some out-of-pocket costs, including:
- Job search expenses – If unemployed, budget for networking, resume prep, interview attire/grooming, etc.
- Licensure/credentials – Those in specialized fields like healthcare, teaching, or law may need to transfer and renew professional licenses, at a cost of $100 to $500+.
- Work wardrobe – While business wear is more casual, you may need some new warm-weather appropriate attire. Budget $500 to $2,000 depending on your field and role.
- Commuting – Hawaii’s public transportation is limited outside Honolulu. Expect to drive to work, budgeting for gas, parking, tolls, etc.
Taxes
Hawaii has the second highest overall tax burden in the nation. Some costs to factor:
- Income tax – Rates start at 1.4% for the first $2,400 of income, increasing progressively to a top rate of 11% on income above $200,000. Most residents pay 6% to 8.25%.
- Property tax – Among the highest in the nation, averaging 0.28% of home value. This equates to over $2,000 annually for a $700,000 home.
- General excise tax – A 4% to 4.5% tax levied on most goods and services. Adds around $600 per year to average household costs.
Pro tip: Consult a tax advisor to reduce your liability through deductions, credits, and proper withholdings.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Don’t forget smaller recurring expenses that add up like:
- Trash removal – $25 to $50 per month depending on location and level of service
- Storage unit – $50 to $200+ per month if you need extra space but Hawaii homes tend to be smaller.
- Gym membership – Around $50 per month for an individual or $150 monthly for a family.
- Pet care – Vet visits, food, and other pet needs likely cost 10% to 25% more than the mainland.
Temporary Housing
When first relocating to Hawaii, you’ll likely need temporary accommodations while you search for a permanent home. Here are some typical temporary housing costs:
- Extended stay hotel – $100 to $250 per night for a suite with a kitchenette. Multi-week and monthly rates offer savings.
- Short-term rental – Small furnished apartments average around $2,000 per month. Multi-bedroom homes can cost $3,500 to $6,000 monthly.
- Vacation rental – These fully furnished condos and beachside homes rent for $5,000 to $10,000 monthly. More amenities than a standard rental but also pricier.
- Airbnb – Nightly rates for a 1-bedroom average around $125, while 2-3 bedrooms rent for $200 to $300 per night. Discounts given for weekly and monthly stays.
- Corporate housing – Some relocation management companies provide accommodations catered to business travelers on assignment. Expect to spend $3,000 to $5,000 monthly.
- Crashing with friends/family – If you have local connections, this cuts costs significantly. But still budget for utilities, food, and occasional hotel stays to give you all space.
Pro tip: Book temporary housing for 1-2 months while exploring neighborhoods and finalizing your permanent home purchase or rental agreement.
Cost of Living by Island
While all Hawaii islands have a high cost of living, some differences exist. Here’s an overview of typical costs on each island from lowest to highest:
Hawaii Island – Also called the “Big Island,” it’s the most affordable for housing but has pricier food and gas costs.
- Median home price: $525,000
- 1-bedroom rent: $1,800
- Gas: $5.60 per gallon
- Groceries: 7% above statewide average
Kauai – Relatively low housing prices but elevated transportation costs and limited shopping options.
- Median home price: $615,000
- 1-bedroom rent: $1,900
- Gas: $5.70 per gallon
- Groceries: 12% above statewide average
Maui – A popular island for tourists and transplants, but carrying a premium.
- Median home price: $725,000
- 1-bedroom rent: $2,100
- Gas: $5.47 per gallon
- Groceries: 19% above statewide average
Oahu – The most populated island and Hawaii’s economic center with the highest costs.
- Median home price: $860,000
- 1-bedroom rent: $2,400
- Gas: $5.12 per gallon
- Groceries: 24% above statewide average
Molokai & Lanai – Smaller islands with lower costs but fewer amenities and job prospects.
Pro tip: Weigh affordability against lifestyle preferences, job opportunities, and access to amenities on each island.
Shipping Quotes & Negotiation Tips
Getting quotes from multiple shipping companies is wise to find the best rate. Here are some costs for reference:
- Studio apartment moving from California: $4,000 to $6,000
- 2-bedroom house from East Coast: $10,000 to $14,000
- 4-bedroom house from Midwest: $12,000 to $18,000
- Piano transport: $800 to $2,000
- Car shipping: $1,000 to $1,500
When negotiating rates:
- Get guaranteed all-inclusive pricing covering unpacking, insurance, and other fees.
- Ask about discount programs for military, students, or frequent shippers.
- Inquire if rates based on dimensional or actual weight are better for your shipment.
- Remove items you can replace for less locally to lighten the load.
- Avoid peak summer season and weekends for best pricing.
- Consider shipping cars separately on a barge or airline for savings.
Pro tip: Creatively packing items into shared crates can also lower cubic footage rates.
Getting established in Hawaii is an investment, but also an experience of a lifetime if you plan wisely. Weigh all the costs against the benefits of island living for you and your family. And get ready to say “Aloha!” to this tropical paradise.
Adding it All Up
Here’s a table that provides you with a rough estimate of what you can expect everything to cost from the time you pack that first box until you sip your first morning coffee in your new home in Hawaii:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Transportation (shipping belongings, airfare, car shipping) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Housing (rental or mortgage downpayment) | $30,000 – $100,000+ |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet, cell phone) | $500 – $1,000 per month |
| Furniture & Household Items | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Food | $500 – $1,000 per month |
| Vehicle Costs (registration, insurance, gas) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Employment Expenses (licensure, work clothes, commute) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Taxes (income, property, excise) | 6% – 11% of income |
| Storage Unit | $600 – $2,400 per year |
| Temporary Housing | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Miscellaneous (gym, pet care, etc.) | $500 – $1,000 per month |
| Total | $50,000 – $150,000+ |
The total cost to move to Hawaii can vary widely based on your location, housing choices, amount of belongings, and other factors. Typical ranges are between $50,000 to $150,000 or more when adding up all relocation expenses. Thorough planning and budgeting is key to keep costs manageable when making this major life transition.
Final Thoughts
The sparkling azure waters and soothing trade winds call to many seeking paradise in Hawaii. But before you start packing, carefully weigh the higher cost of living against your budget and lifestyle needs. While Hawaii’s natural beauty comes at a premium price, planning ahead helps ensure affordability.
Think through must-have features like proximity to work, outdoor space, and neighborhood amenities when choosing housing. Seek expert guidance on navigating costs like taxes, shipping, and temporary lodging unique to Hawaii moves.
Moving to Hawaii is an investment that pays off through unrivaled access to oceanside adventures, vibrant culture, and year-round tropical weather. By arming yourself with knowledge of all the costs involved, you can make this life-changing move work financially.
The challenge of Hawaii’s higher costs is balanced by the reward of living life to the fullest in one of the world’s most magnificent places. Let thorough planning and preparation open the doors to start writing your own chapter in paradise.
