We know that Hawaii can be expensive, but it's possible to save in some areas. Check out our unique tips on how to save money on Oahu ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PkdxggWerNs.html
People watch this video and if plants a seed that turns into a dream that turns into something that comes true it's more than just a form of video she speaks in a trusov tone you probably just jacked up the population anyways thank you very much
if you eat out every meal then yeah it's more expensive, But we as a couple in our 50s spend 1000 a month on food monthly in San Diego county every month. And don't get a lot of stuff either. Food has gone up so much in San Diego that Hawaii is actually cheaper. We were there in Feb of this year so I know. If you are splurging that's one thing but if you are shopping smart you can totally save!
One tip that a local told me was to look for used cars from car rental companies that regularly sell them as they replenish their rental fleet. They generally have lots of mileage left in them and the rental companies are happy to get rid of them, FYI.
Truth bombs - Born/raised/educated/worked as a young professional in Hawaii, moved to Los Angeles when I was 28 (3-years ago); I think Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in. Cost of living is one thing, but when combined w/ the lower pay, that's what makes Hawaii expensive (not to mention the limited career & growth options in Hawaii that hinder future earnings potential). I had one job offer in Hawaii and one in LA at the same time/same job; the pay was 20% higher in LA. I know someone with the same job as I in Hawaii, and after 3-years, I'm making 35% more than them doing the same job w/ 1-year less experience. Why is that? Because Hawaii doesn't have any Fortune 500/Corporate Headquarters/Regional Offices or diverse industries and the talent pool that would demand higher wages isn't present in Hawaii. Businesses cannot afford to pay you more too; their profit margins are already much less than mainland businesses and businesses exist to make a profit in our capitalist society (they need healthy profit margins to show banks/investors to raise money and grow; investors look at earning 5% on their money in Hawaii vs. 10% in Arizona; not to mention entrepreneurs themselves being motivated to maximize their return on their risk/hard work). There are pros and cons of living in LA as you can imagine, but I can get to Hawaii on a 5-6 hour flight if I ever need Foodland poke or a real beach to go to. Time is money too, and the time and convenience of Amazon and food delivery services in LA is not comparable. The quality of the housing stock and options are much better in most places in the US as Hawaii is one of the most expensive states for construction and the demand for housing is so great that people are willing to sacrifice living in a smaller/less quality of space. I used to lease single-family homes on the North Shore and I had people from the mainland sign leases virtually without even physically looking at the place. I always had to disclose to them that Hawaii has a lot of bugs and it's almost impossible to get rid of all of them; so be prepared to not leave your food out on the table and be warned that you'll experience more bug encounters than you're used to (we had Terminix come out every month to spray too). Bottom line, if you're a young professional or struggling to make ends meet in Hawaii, then leave, get a higher paying job, get experience, get educated, save money, build up your assets, then when you have enough money, then move back to Hawaii. Stop complaining about affordable housing, it ain't never going to happen; it ain't the politician's fault either. The demand for people that want to live in Hawaii is much greater than the capacity of what Hawaii can build; it's an island(s). Straight up, Hawaii is for people with money and it's only going to get worse; so don't hold on anymore and let go. Local people need to realize, they are competing for housing and the high paying jobs w/ experienced/well-educated people from the mainland that were able to save up in a higher paying job (Software engineer in San Francisco) and they are able to outbid you on that house or afford to pay higher rents, which drive up the market while you're sitting there thinking how the heck can you afford this. Hawaii ain't fun when all you do is work 2-3 jobs, ain't saving, and not building your assets; it's depressing and surfing on a sunny day is not enjoyable when you're behind on rent and your bank account got way too many NSF charges. Go sacrifice 5-10 years on the mainland (fly back home twice a year), then come back. Would I recommend living in LA, nah, there are better places and LA got too many crazies and the politicians are just as incompetent (hence homeless issue) and DMV is even worse than Hawaii.
Very good reply. I've vacationed in Hawaii a few times and there are many things I just love about it but it's important to be realistic so that you don't end up homeless and behind the eightball. May I ask what you do for a living ? And if you were going to move back to Hawaii on a limited budget, what area would you choose ? Do you know anything about farmland in Maui ?
Sure, but expect to be depressed and tire of always being on the lookout for homeless, drug addicts ODing on the streets and mentally ill people on mostly every corner of LA
Comparing Hawaii to Florida is like comparing a 1990 Kia to a 2021 Bently...lol...living in Florida is like living on a flat barge in the middle of the ocean with millions of bored retired boomers.
In addition to the higher costs, you failed to let people know that the wages here in Hawaii usually pay 20% less than the same job in the mainland. Why, you ask, because they can. Good paying jobs are scarce and better paying jobs are in high demand where they can fill that position for less pay. Welcome to Hawaii.
Also, so very important for everyone to understand. On top of the higher cost is the high income tax!! So even if you get a good job from the mainland and you bring that “remote” job with you to Hawaii, you’re going to lose a lot of money just with income taxes. E.g: If you make $180,000 a year, you can expect to pay around $11,000 in taxes. That’s very close to $1000 a month you are losing. On the flip side of that, those who rely on the local economy would absolutely love that salary even with the state income tax hit. Just something to know when comparing to Florida cost of living which has zero state income tax. 🤙🏼
I assumed your food bill of $800 included eating out. But either way, sometimes its worth paying more for your happiness. Where I currently live has similar living expenses. I would love to move to Hawaii. I enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing!
I'm in Orange County as well and this place is a joke. I can't find a 1 bed apartment for less than 1500 a month. And the one's that are under 1500 are in the ghetto and have roaches and they're demanding years of work history great credit, rental history. first and last months rent. I hate living here. It's probably cheaper living in Hawaii lol.
Born and raised Oahu guy here, finally moving off the island this year. The cost of living, horrible traffic, homeless, the island fever, and not many well paying jobs has finally got to me. At the end of the day you can survive in Hawaii if you live very frugal. However I rather live someplace else and thrive rather then working 2 full time jobs just to make ends meet. And once you’re at that point you can’t even enjoy the pros of living in Hawaii. That’s why so many locals have already moved off island and more will follow
If all depends where you want to live. There are plenty of cities the size of Honolulu that have worse traffic and a high cost of living. If I want to live in a small town with little to do, there are a lot of them on the mainland as well.
@@adeenooo5799 I don’t. Prices are increasing everywhere on the mainland. I think people vacation in Hawaii, and discover the Aloha spirit. Then they find videos like these to occupy their fantasies. Oahu seems like the perfect place for an urbanite who loves the ocean and hates the cold. Florida is too hot California is too cold.
@@thomasreedy4751 Also something to factor in is that while being the most expensive state in the country hawaii ranks fairly low for wages when compared to other states in the country due to lack of jobs and limited diversification. This has forced many locals to move to the mainland for many years now for better opportunities. And in these last couple of years the states actually been going down in populations and is ranked in the top ten fir states losing residents
@Kimya Eflatun The big island and Oahu are different. Big island is much more country while Oahu is where the city is. So with that comes what you would get from any other city. I agree to keep your expectations low, that’s my whole point. To many people move here with a mindset that they’re just going to be at the beach all day, sipping on mai tais. When that couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth. Most here work 2 jobs, live with family or roommates just to survive out here. And with all that time spent at work the beach and trying to live some island lifestyle that people see on social media just doesn’t come to be. The last couple years the sates been losing residents and our population has been going down. So many friends I grew up with have left and never looked back. I’m not saying Hawaii isn’t great and that no one should live. However just like anywhere you move there’s going to be pros and cons
My uncle moved to hawaii 2 years ago before he moved he had been saving for the past 20 years and had a lot of money saved up so he moved to hawaii and bought a home there
Hawaii have some farmers markets where they sell fresh food. Costco gas is cheaper than the base,, I spend my time outside .. instead paying 89 for gym. So many trails in Hawaii that you don’t have in Florida. Florida is much more humid than Hawaii
Great video ! I’ve watched all of your hawaii vlogs and they are amazing !! I would love to see what both of your typical work day is like while living there!
I live in near Denver Colorado and these priced sound awfully similar to ours. Which is why I never understand when someone says “it’s too expensive to live there” lol we are nearly the same with 0 beaches… The real issue is finding work with equivalent pay.
Still cheaper than California my house is 4700 smh 🤦♀️ that’s just house and don’t wanna think about the rest that’s why I’m flying to Hawaii in June gonna stay for a month hahahabat my sister house 🏡 get away from California thanks 😊 for sharing
@@DennyandNikki I need to come anywhere lol 😂 just out of Cali get a break I enjoy watching you to it’s so beautiful and your videos keep it going !!!!!!!!! By any chance I ask me sis I ask myself I ask many family I ask my friends and I also ask some RU-vid friends on this but did you need to take a Covid test when you flew there ?
@@leelaylieu1239 Yes, anybody arriving from the mainland will have to take a covid text to bypass the 10 day quarantine. Good luck and we hope you can get here this summer :)
@@DennyandNikki yes 🙌 thanks 😊 keep making RU-vid videos it looks beautiful 😍 yes I will enter there June 2 hopefully my sister takes me snorkeling 🤿 lol 😂 I hope the water is hot 🥵 warm be my first time actually wanting to swim after 30 years stay bless !😊
New Subscriber! Born and raised on Oahu, married a soldier, now living in KY. I miss home so much but I do not miss the way higher cost of living. Looking forward to seeing more videos from you!
I'll be doing the complete opposite move in a few months. The cost of living here (Oahu) is just too astronomical, I can't keep paying what I pay for a small apartment knowing I could have a 4 bedroom house in Florida. Hawaii will be missed, it's been a great experience living here but unless you are a millionaire good luck living comfortably here.
i moved to hawaii about 3 months ago and the closest grocery store was safeway so i always went there and i had no idea it was one of the most expensive ones here! i wish i would’ve known that earlier 😂
I plan on going nomadic soon and Hawai'i will definitely be on my top list of places to live! Since I'm a US citizen I won't need a visa so I can stay there as long as I like, which is nice. In Europe I have to hop around quite a bit just to avoid having to get visas
Oh I see! Yes, you’ll find many duplexes in Hawaii. So a home will be split in half, and they’ve made apartments from it. So the backyard is split in half as well :)
Thank you so much for sharing! It’s amazing cause your costs in Hawaii are similar to what I spend in Seattle. It really put things into perspective! Love your vids! 💜
Hi there, this is a great video, thanks! My husband and I are actually considering moving to Hawaii so your content is super relevant. Just curious if you have a video tour of your home? Just curious what kind of space $1900 gets a person in Hawaii . New, old? Thanks, Alissa
No, we did not do a tour. But overall, we notice that apartments on the lower end ($1200-$1600) are usually not that modern in their appliances :) Hope that helps!
Ghettos for $1900 living in Kalihi or Waipahu outside the city it cost minimum $2300 or more for a 1 bedroom to live in a decent part of town away from the gang bangers called Micros who comes from the South Pacific islands
Useful direct cost comparison. Mahalo. I get asked the same question a lot but never really tracked my cost. I've raised kids in Orlando and live alone in St. Augustine Beach & Jax Beach. I've also lived in Waikiki & Kailua. There's no comparison in quality of life, or the value you receive in Hawaii (in my opinion). People don't know what they're missing if there's no relevant reference. I love your videos for the showing what's not obvious and making it relevant to Florida. I've shared them with family and friends because you are accurate and your topics are usefully relevant. I will say that from a single person perspective, with a lot more flexibility by living the work anywhere life, Hawaii can be as affordable if not hands down the greater value.
Can I please ask how you have lowered your cell phones for 2 phones? I am currently paying $169/month for 2 phones and wondering what our differences are :) thank you!
Good job on the video, and timely also, at least for me. Not that I'm planning on moving to Hawaii, but we are scheduled (for the second time, fingers crossed) to visit in a little over a month; and we are coming from Orlando. Coincidence. My wife, a Filipina I met here in Orlando, has never been to Hawaii. I left there 22 years ago after spending the majority of a 20 year naval career there. I can't wait to go back and am praying that we actually get to go this time. Been following yours and some other similar channels here because I am scouting out places to eat. Local affordable places where the portions are big and the prices reasonable. So far, I've got a pretty good list going but I know there isn't any way we are going to hit every single place that looks good, unless we want to be eating 24 hours a day. If you get a chance, Naomi wants to know about some good Korean and Filipino restaurants. Maybe you have already done a video on those, just let me know. Thanks, Keep up the good work. Enjoy Hawaii. I loved it there. It's got mountains. Orlando is sooooo flat. Aloha.
Ohhh things have changed since my last time in HI some 36 years ago! Since then I married a Filipina and when we do visit The Philippines/PI we can rent an OKkkk place for $125- A mo. and food and some social activities for a mo. cost us about $650- !!!!!!! My favorite place in PI is wayyy down south on the small island of Samal- beaches, beaches and mo beaches (No surf though!)- No traffic lights, most people get around on Honda 100's and the Locals are v. friendly (Women like the 1960's- friendly and Not running scared!!) Thus, when everything is said and done one has to weigh the pros and cons of a place, make a decision and Go for it! Hey hey PI
Your calculations left out a small detail and a rather big one. The small omission is the change from two cars to one. If you apply that same change to Florida, the Florida COL is $1094 cheaper, not $919. The bigger omission is the opportunity cost - the time value of money. Investing that $1094/month, at 10% annually, returns $2.1 million over 30 years, and only 400,000 of that is your own money. The other $1.7 million is 100% free money from interest. Over 20 years, $1094/month grows to $750,000. And in just 10 years, it accumulates to $209,000 - enough for a down payment on a million dollar home. That $209,000 is $133,000 your own money, and $78,000 in interest. Of course, living on Oahu is something you can't really put a price on, but in terms of dollars and cents, it's costing you a lot more than it might initially appear. The bottom line is that moving sooner, lets you enjoy it sooner, but prolongs the time that you pay rent (which goes to someone else) instead of a mortgage (which essentially goes to you, in the form of equity). There's no right or wrong, just an individual decision people have to make for themselves.
Good comment! It all depends on someone’s personal situation, wants and needs I guess. We didn’t need two cars living in Oahu, and we didn’t make the move to Hawaii thinking we could live similarly or cheaper than FL. We are also not ready to buy property and are happily renting for now :) Living in FL would’ve been a better choice for maximizing our savings/investments, most definitely. But oh my... The poké and beaches 😁 Thanks for posting this comment!
@@DennyandNikki Yes, agreed. Having recently been there for 4 days, I can confirm it's a special place. And being there when you're young enough to enjoy it to the max, is a big plus. Basically priceless. Best wishes to you two.
It’s actually not that bad! We have screens in front of our windows and doors, so no bugs inside. But there are pretty big spiders, centipedes and critters outside. Oh, and the lovely mosquitoes.
Thanks for sharing. All good information and estimates. I lived in Makakilo pre-covid 2019-20 and I can tell you real estate and rental prices where higher, and most likely will rise again with inflation, and fuel and food cost too. Eating out cost a small fortune to for my family of 3. Our budget was much higher in all categories especially rent at $3200 month for a decent safe location. $5000-6000 usd a month. Take care and keep posting !
I’ve seen quite a few long term rentals on O’ahu that average between $1500-$1800/month but they’re mostly 1 BD/1BA. I guess it seems like how much space you want and whether or not it’s downtown Honolulu. Thanks for the video.
Hi watched your video it was well done I think you forgot to include the cost of health insurance in your list I have heard florida has a plan called Florida blue I have a plan from my job on NYC and when I turn 65 will have Medicare your thoughts on this?
check and see what the Orlando apartment is renting for now. i live in tampa and rented an apartment in may for 1300 and by july they raised the rent to 1800.
How are the bugs? I keep hearing horror stories of the bugs?? Centipedes roaches, etc. Do you all have a problem with them generally? Thanks in advance!!
@@DennyandNikki that's not as bad as I think? That sounds horrifying! Lol. There's not a way to keep them out? I've traveled the Caribbean and LOVE it but the bugs horrify me. There's not a way to keep them out in Hawaii? Only reason why I'm drawn to Hawaii is because it's more developed than most countries in the Caribbean unfortunately because of COLONIALISM!
I am moving to Oahu soon and want to find a rental in the Kaneohe/Kailua area. Any tips on how you found your place? Zillow/craigslist or some other site? Thank you! Love your content!
One thing i noticed is when you have a family and plan on living in single homes your cost of living is very high but if your single or have no kids you can buy a condo or rent an apartment and save alot of money
Definitely, I'd say the best scenario is two working professionals splitting the bills. It becomes much more expensive with kids. The channel Hello from Hawaii recently made a really good video analyzing this question.
Yea Orlando is getting crazy expensive now though. Gas is over $3.48/gal now and rent prices are insane. I rent in sanford outside of Orlando, it's about $2,400 rent for my little 3 bedroom house, not counting utilities. Food prices are getting crazy too, everything 😭
Funny True story. We live in Orlando in between OBT and Orange ave. Planning on living in Hawaii. We have a 5 bd 3 bth 4000 sq ft. home with a pool and spa. Hawaii is still calling us. We are ready to go even if it is for just a month to visit at first. Ironic to have stumbled upon this video. Haha! We know we won't have such a lavish lifestyle as we do here but with the beauty of the Islands we don't care.
That is funny! We were actually surprised by how many people reached out to us from the Florida/Orlando area. It's pretty impossible to not like the islands, good luck with the planning for your trip (or move!) to Hawaii!
@@DennyandNikki I imagine there are many of us looking to escape the touristy heat of central Florida reaching out. I personally can’t wait to get there.
I would say somth about the vid but I am stunned by your beauty, I hope you doing fine with your life :) , now i got it out of my system im going to watch the vid hihi
I dont want to rent I want to buy a home - I wonder what the budget for that - $2000 to 2500 monthly budget for a mortgage near ewa beach is this possible ? - I think investing on installing solar panels on your home and buy an EV will save money over gas and electricity- huge savings long term
3brm single family 1100 sq ft appraised at 750,000 in Ewa Beach. You want a 2000-2500 mortgage your gonna get a 900 sq fr 2 bedroom condo. Just paid for a PV system, it’ll pay off in 17 years.
After living in Hawaii 27 years, although gorgeous...we're moving back to Florida SOON bc buying ONE house here would be equal to buying 3-4 houses in Florida and its typically a million dollar cheaply built DUMP! Cost of living, gas, food AND the HIGHLY corrupt state govt is also reason enough to LEAVE.
Sounds like there js too many expenses for a normal person to live there. Another problem, Hawaii is a progressive tax state. Very few companies want to go there.
Would like to hear more about your experiences shipping your vehicle to Hawaii including info on costs, required documentation, recommendations for vendors. Thanks.
Sure! Don’t hesitate to send us an email or DM if you really want to go into details. But just so you know, we used Matson (had a good experience) and they list the requirements and docs needed on their website.
@@DennyandNikki Thanks! I will! FYI I’m in Florida and hope to head over in May from like you.. I’ll check out Matson and will follow up again if needed! Best.
im 28 from Philippines and i loooooove the ocean but currently living in japan for 14 years and now i have 2 kids .. watching your vlog wanting me to move there 😭 it's definitely a lot more expensive living here 😭 but to scared to adjust from culture to culture and the way of living.. ☹️
It was a culture shock for us as well! There is a large Japanese influence in Hawaii as well though, so maybe you can find similarities to your current living situation. Sending lots of love to you and your family :)
I’m Filipino myself and have lived in Philippines,Hawaii,and Japan… make that move to the island and you’ll have a great time specially im assuming you speak nihonggo. Japanese tourism is really big in town so getting a job for you is not an issue. IMO the cost of living comparing japan n Hawaii is the pretty much the same if you live in country side but not in metro like Tokyo. Culture shock is not a thing (at least for me) Hawaii is heavily influenced by Asian/islander culture. The way of living, food, etc is pretty much the same for pinoy culture.
Love the video and comparison on cost! Any regrets moving to Hawaii? I'm been there twice already this year and loved both trips but hesitant on moving there because of the cost and other cons.
My husband and I were born and raised in Hawai’i. We moved to the mainland and retired in Washington State then to Clermont, FL. Moved to the Big Island in 2020, but will be going back to Florida when we sell our home. Good to know it’ll still be cheaper in Florida. Mahalo.
