Hi There!
I've worked in the hotel industry in Jacksonville, NC for 4+ years (recently resigned as we're relocating). I was always looking for a better opportunity in the industry so kept an eye on any jobs along the Crystal Coast also.
Unfortunately the going rate for hotel work in the area seems to be just a touch above minimum wage ($7.25) and slightly above for maintenance (between $8 and $10 an hour) regardless of experience (before moving to NC I was in management at a Hyatt Regency in the Midwest and made a
lot more).
Another consideration is the fact that during winter, your hours can drop off inordinately (some of my employees and coworkers at the Jville hotel had as little as 18-20 hours a week in fall/winter when there weren't deployments going in or out).
As for cost of living in Emerald Isle- I'll leave that to somebody else to answer. I agree that it is gorgeous there, but I definitely wouldn't expect to make the same as what yourself and your wife are earning at the moment.
Average your hours out at about 30 hrs a week a piece at $7.35 for housekeeping and worst case scenario, $8.50 for maintenance, take out tax, and decide from there whether you can afford it or not!
Good Luck and I hope that helps!
-A
P.S. Hotels and Resorts in Eastern NC pay HORRIBLY!!!