Planning on moving to Hawaii? Youโre not alone! More thanย 58,539ย people moved to the Aloha State in 2023. It also ranks as the #1 stateย in the nation for healthcare and natural environment. With this growth, the state’s population has hitย 1.4 millionย in 2024.
With a low unemployment rate of 2.9% and a median household income of 97,360, Hawaii offers strong job opportunities and financial stability. Renowned for its world-famous beaches, and rich traditions like hula and aloha spirit, Hawaii offers a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and culture.
3 Reasons to Move to Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are 3 reasons to move to HI.
| # | Reasons to Move to HI | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Healthcare | Hawaii ranks #1 state for healthcare access in the nation. |
| 2. | Tax Benefits | The Aloha State does not impose any state income taxes. |
| 3. | Natural Environment | Hawaii is filled with dense forests, rolling mountains, and crystal-clear waterways. |
1. Top-Notch Healthcare
Hawaii ranks among the top 3 in the nation in terms of healthcare access, healthcare quality, and public health. The state has the lowest mortality rate nationwide, with only 616 deaths per 100,000 residents. Queenโs Medical Center, the stateโs top hospital, has held the #1 ranking for 12 consecutive years.
Additionally, Hawaii ensures that nearly everyone is covered by health insurance, with only 3.5% of residents uninsured. This success is driven by the Prepaid Health Care Act, a policy that requires employers to provide comprehensive coverage.
2. Tax Benefits
Hawaii is among the top US states that levy zero state income tax. For example, if you earn $70,000 in Hawaii, your after-tax income totals $62,340. In California, your post-tax income comes out to $59,552. This means you can save nearly $3,000 in taxes in the Aloha State annually.
Moreover, the property taxes in Hawaii are 0.29%, one of the lowest in the nation. The current sales tax in Hawaii is 4%.
3. Natural Environment
Hawaii, with its 137 islands and over 750 miles of beaches, is known for its lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. Iconic landmarks include Volcanoes National Park, where you can see active lava flows, and the Nฤ Pali Coast with its dramatic cliffs. Mauna Kea Observatory offers some of the best stargazing in the world.
Hawaii offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can hike trails like the Kalalau Trail, snorkel in the colorful reefs of Hanauma Bay, or surf on waves. The islands are also home to unique plants and animals, with 90% of their species found nowhere else on Earth.
Cost of Moving to Hawaii ๐ฒ
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to HI:
1. Moving Costs โ $1,500 to $12,000
Moving to Hawaii involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Hawaii movers typically cost $5,000. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- ๐ Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Hawaii.
2. Utility Expenses โ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Hawaii.
- When relocating to Hawaii, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in HI is around $563/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Hawaii. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in HI starts at $12. A standard title fee costs $5.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Aloha State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Honolulu, Kaneohe, and Kailua-Kona, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2,500.
- However, if you are planning to buy, make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Hawaii in your budget. Cities like Waialae – Kahala has a median home price of $1.5M. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Mountain View is $152K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Hawaii โ
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to HI, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Hawaii neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
