moving to the big island (Kailua: rental car, sales, apartment)

[cherylm_79]

Hi guys! Im from Austin texas and im moving to the big island between july and November of 2008. Im thinking of living in Kona and i have been to the big island about 4 times and still cry when i leave.
So just a question in general...how much would you guys suggest i take with me on my move to survive for a while just in case i dont find a job fast enough?
I've already got about $3,000 saved up but im still planning on saving up some xtra money just in case. And im also gonna sell my truck here in austin and i'll just buy another used car there on the big island. Any advise?

[Jimbo's]

IMHO I would suggest you wait until you have a bit more money before you make the move to be on the safe side. After going through what it may take to get started there you would probably want to have approx 10k in the bank before a move like this.

[Staceywilks]

Not sure about how much money I would take (there are so many variables) but there is a website (KONAWEB - Online Resource for the Big Island & Kona, Hawaii) that has a great forum (Q & A) about moving to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. You can ask any question and people who live here will answer you. You will probably see some information on the website that you may not have even thought of - so it's very valuable. I visited the site every day for a year before my husband and I moved here. Lots of unexpected things when living here, so do as much homework as you can. Good luck!

[Hawaii Beth]

Use Craig's list to buy a car when you get here but plan on minimum of 2K for something that [u]may[u]not need a lot of work. Geico is the cheapest insurance I've found. Rent will be 1200 - 1700/mo if you like nice places. There is no bus system to speak of. Gas is about 3.35/gal.
I moved here with no furniture and with yard sales was set up quickly and cheaply. Groceries are the most amazing cost. All vegetables are sold buy the pound and it adds up quickly - even things grown here. Cabel with internet will run about 100. I don't use a home phone which saves a lot. Good cell plan works fine as home and cell. Shop for coverage areas - there are a lot of dead zones, especially if you head south on the island. I use Verizon.
Your biggest expense will be deposits and 1st month rent. After that you should be okay.

[Genxor]

I too would start at 10k or more Cheryl. With 3k, your already broke

Start with your moving expenses over -flights etc. Your hotel expense until you find a home/apartment. Rental car if you choose to sell your truck in Texas ( more on that later) , your rental home deposit and first months rent. Utility deposits/ fees/connections.Weekly food/gas /any monthly bills you would be bringing with you like credit cards. Car insurance/health insurance. When you first move, money just flies out of your pocket.
I would personally rethink selling your truck - if it is nice and newer and you love it. You will not be able to find a comparable vehicle - in all likelihood- for what you sell yours for in Texas. Many , not all , vehicles here are well used with high mileage. Just a thought from our experience
Depending on your job experience and type, give yourself plenty of time to find a *good* job. Generally on the mainland anyone could pickup a job to "get them by" until something better comes along. But here your entire cost of living is higher than Texas for example. So a "get you by" job on the mainland is a barely breaking even or in the hole job here.

Don't let anyones info. discourage you. Just really do your homework and try to have 3 months of total expenses saved for your move. You dont want to be in the position of having to move back to Texas in a few months.

Good Luck !!!!

Greg

[tiffan28]

I recommend 5 - 10K definitely depending on your work situation. When we moved I had the ideal work situation, but ran into a few snags and needed more money.

[tiffan28]

I like what Greg said about having 3 months covered before you move. That's excellent advice!

[Brav989]

I've shopped at Walmart and safeway and I didn't really see a huge difference in the price of things compared to the mainland. Besides milk...and some cereals. Always a farmers market or grow it yourself

[cherylm_79]

Thanks greg and everyone else....
well i am saving up about $10-$12k. i was saying so far i only have $3000. well now closer to $4,000.... so by july i should have $8,000 and if i wait longer till November i should have the full $10 or $12,000....yea i would be broke if i went with $3000 plus im actually gonna be staying with a friend and her husband for a few months before moving out and getting my own place...I think i will sell my truck here in texas because i can get a good $8000 for it and save that to buy a used car in the big island. Im pretty excited and want to leave right now!!!
Oh , and the kind of job experience i have is about 9-10 years of insurance experience. not sure that i want to keep doing that but thats pretty much what i know...oh and about 4 years of hotel experience....

[Mvn 2 Paradise]

First, I just want to say, very nice and welcoming posts on this thread. My family is starting the prep work for moving and some of the posts on this forum can be intimidating. It is nice to see realistic but encouraging people.