Transfer to Big Island Help (attorney, buying, income)

[Bandalero]

Originally Posted by ridia

Thanks for the reply. When you say 70-75K is not excellent but livable do you mean we would be comfortable? What salary range would be considered excellent for living on the Big Island? I thought this was a pretty decent salary. What are taxes like on the Big Island? Here is Canada taxes are pretty high compared to the US.

If you ask ten people their opinion on this question, you're going to get twenty different answers because what's considered to be a "good" standard of living differs from person to person. Further, addressing whatever salary might be considered "excellent" is pointless in my view, since you're not going to be getting paid that hypothetical figure. I suggest that you simply focus on your own known (or projected) single-earner, gross household income of $75K USD for life on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Given that figure, I have suggested that you will enjoy a "livable" (nothing more) standard of living on the Big Isle. I base this conclusion on the fact that the cost of living in Hawaii (including the Big Isle) is well-above the national median (about 25-30% higher), and on the fact that $75K per year (gross earnings) would NOT be considered "high" for a household of two or more, even by U.S. Mainland standards.

I'll say that again. If a single bachelor or bachelorette earned that figure per year in the average metro U.S. setting, they'd be just fine. However, if that figure is used to support two or more people (living jointly in a single-income household), it would prove to be about average for life on the U.S. Mainland, which is likely to put it 30% below average for the Big Island. Make sense?

I have children of my own currently living with (in some cases unemployed) partners in metro areas on the U.S. Mainland, making roughly $60K per year (gross), and they're struggling to make it in 'apartment' life. If they were to move to the Big Isle, they'd sink further still. There's no debating it.

[ridia]

Perspective is everything and everyone has there own I just appreciate everyones opinion and input. I am sure we will be fine if it happens and I am not worried just curious as I have never been there and can only base my conclusions on what I am able to learn from this form and other sources of information.

Thanks

[cynmkolohe]

Another suggestion: if you do start looking into short-term rentals for when you first arrive, you may want to consider Puako. Puako is a short distance from the resorts and would be a great introduction to the area, but for longer term rentals would be more expensive than Waikoloa Village and/or Waimea. There are some very expensive rentals here, but if you look carefully and try to negotiate, you could find a few good deals. This is a beach community with a lot of vacation rentals. Another of our favorite places to stay with family when they come visit.

Puako Hawaii Vacation Rentals by Owner - Puako Hawaii VRBO, Vacation Home Rentals, Condo Rentals, FRBO Vacation Rentals, Puako Hawaii Travel Information

[ridia]

Thanks again. All the info provided has been a great starting point in helping me come to a decision. Speaking with my husband I have told him to go ahead with the application. Now the decision is out of our hands and I can only cross my fingers and wait. Hopefully my husband gets the promotion and we could be moving to the Big Island in October.

I have started looking into some of the neighbor hoods mentioned here. What are some of the other areas that you could recommend to look into.

[hotzcatz]

Taxes are 4% for EVERYTHING so the little tax bites add up pretty quickly. We also pay about 20% more for things shipped in from the mainland which is about 90% of EVERYTHING so that adds up pretty quickly. And salaries are about half of what a similar job would pay on the mainland so that bites, too. Fortunately, we don't need as much stuff as on the mainland. Folks' wardrobes don't change much during the year and we don't dress up much since there's not many places to go to when you do get dressed up.

The closest housing to the hotels on the Kona coast would be the Waikoloa area. It is the worlds biggest cul-de-sac, a group of houses halfway up the mountain. Waikoloa road goes from the lower road to the upper road and the houses are off Waikoloa road. I haven't a clue what the name of the upper and lower roads are, they are the two roads between Waimea and Kailua and they are generally just referred to as "the upper road" and "the lower road". All the roads on this island are what would be considered "secondary" highways on the mainland (at best) so nobody goes anywhere very fast. Highest posted speed limit is 55. Anyway, back to Waikoloa. It is dry there and pretty windy sometimes but they do have a golf course and a grocery store. It is halfway between Kailua and Waimea so there are more places for groceries and shopping about a half hour away. Kawaihae is drier with less shopping/dining opportunities but closer to the ocean. The resorts are right on the ocean so getting to the water wouldn't be a problem.

Hawi and Kapa'a are close enough to commute fairly easily to the hotels and they are green, small sleepy little towns. They are pretty close to each other and between them, they have two small grocery stores, an assortment of restaurants (Hawi is a pretty touristy little hamlet), a hardware store, a library, schools, etc. No big chain stores/eateries of any kind, which is good. There are enough of those in Kona if you feel the need. Hmm, come to think of it, there is an Ace hardware in Kapaa, so that is probably a big chain store?

[HonuMan]

My stepson worked at the Hilton Waikaloa for a year, and rented a place in Waikaloa during that time. His main comment was that it was extremely hot, dry, and windy. (He is from Hilo, which is wetter and cooler.) Once you cross over to dry-side Kamuela, the area starts to resemble the Nevada desert. Many people love it, but if you prefer something cooler and greener, check out the wet side -- it's a bit like the Pacific NW, and really beautiful.

[Kohala Coast tennis]

Wow, lots of great advice here. Waimea (Kamuela) and Waikoloa Village is where most people live who work at the resorts. One is wet, the other windy. Dry side Waimea is also windy. There is a terrific little hospital in Waimea and a wonderful sense of place. Waimea has a wonderful performing arts center and all kinds of volunteer oppportunities.

If you want to live in the resort area, both the Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach Resorts now have good condo rental possibilities. Rents have really come down recently due to the economy. Your timing is very good. Now is the time to start looking for a rental. The snowbirds also start shopping about now and you don't want to compete with them.

I work at the Mauna Kea Resort which is seven miles or so from the Mauna Lani Resort which is where the Fairmont Orchid is located. I have been looking for a rental for a friend and have a good handle on what is going on.

While you are waiting for your work visa, there is lots for you to do in the area. From golf, tennis, outrigger canoe paddling, hula lessons to volunteer work, you won't be bored! If you have specific questions or concerns, just send a direct message.

Sounds like you are getting ready for a big adventure!

[1freespirit]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Taxes are 4% for EVERYTHING so the little tax bites add up pretty quickly.

.

Idaho it is 6.5% for EVERYTHING and your right it really does add up quick. 4% in Hawaii would be a blessing. I don't think we get out of anything that does not include the 6.5% Idaho tax. Grocieries, clothes, anything you purchase gets zapped.

[KoaKine]

8.75% in NY

[ridia]

Taxes is Canada are 14%!!!! (15% on alcohol). So 4% really does not sound like much. As for the volunteer work I was actually thinking about doing this while we settle in (fingers crossed my husband gets the job).

Thank you so much to everyone for all the information it has been so useful to actually have the names of places and neighbour hoods to look up and that makes it so much easier.
Again thank you all.