Cost of living and using base exchange (Volcano: military, housing)

[historychick]

I have friends that are going to retire from military and move back to Hawaii where they own a home. They tell me that if you shop at the base commissary, the cost of living is not that bad. That sounds strange to me, we live in Florida and it is great, but hurricane issues and property tax rates has hiked up the cost of living. Can Hawaii be cheaper to live than Florida?? If so, heck, I may sell my house and move to Hawaii as well. Love the lifestyle-lay back, as well and the beach...but in Hawaii...year round beach weather.
That is the deal, are they making it too good to be true???

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by historychick

I have friends that are going to retire from military and move back to Hawaii where they own a home. They tell me that if you shop at the base commissary, the cost of living is not that bad. That sounds strange to me, we live in Florida and it is great, but hurricane issues and property tax rates has hiked up the cost of living. Can Hawaii be cheaper to live than Florida?? If so, heck, I may sell my house and move to Hawaii as well. Love the lifestyle-lay back, as well and the beach...but in Hawaii...year round beach weather.
That is the deal, are they making it too good to be true???

You used the words "Base Exchange" in the title, and "base commissary" in the text. They are two different things, with two different price structures. Base Exchanges these days are priced about the same as a standard department store - more expensive than Wal-Mart, less than Lord & Taylor. Base Commissaries have prices pretty close to supermarket prices on the mainland. They provide military in high-cost and "overseas" areas a real saving.

Hank

[historychick]

I stand corrected in the title, I do understand the difference. The commissary I shop at offers saving in terms of milk and other stables than the local supermarkets. Depending upon the base exchange and the area in which it serves, you can find higher end items at a discount from department stores. I guess the point that I'm making, their housing is reasonable, and they can use the commissary for food shopping, the lifestyle to live in Hawaii would be cheaper than in Florida?

[aquakttn]

Prices were about the same as mainland. But cereal is always cheaper at the Commissary than on the mainland. I want to cry when I see these $4-6 boxes of cereal. It's a crime.

I'll tell ya this though... if you eat beef - the commissary beef is nasty. We've picked out gristle - yuck! We've gone *almost* veggie with a little fish and chicken in our diets. I couldn't stand the beef.

Also, you'd benefit from a Costco membership. But mind you, everyone else knows its a good buy too. So be prepared for crowds.

[Torghaole]

Is there a commissary on the B.I.? I am a %100 disabled [VA rating](non-combat) Veteran on Fed. disability retirement. As life changes and circumstances may allow, I/We "might could" end up on there, up in Volcano, Mt. View, or K'au.