Alternatives to Hawaii (living, costs, move to)

[1800yolk]

I vacationed in Maui many years ago, and really enjoyed it. Particularly, the weather not being too hot or too cold, as well as the ocean being a perfect swimming temperature year round. I did a bit of snorkelling, and that alone is something I could move to Hawaii for, to have access to year round. Also, due to my back and sinus health, it would be good to move to somewhere humid and warm where I could also swim a lot.

Unfortunately, the living costs in Hawaii are pretty high, so I'm looking at alternatives. Does anybody have suggestions for cities with easy access to warm, clear swimming conditions like in Hawaii? It would be nice if these conditions were year round, but if there are places like that a majority of the year I'd be interested to hear about them too. Doesn't have to be in the US either

Thanks!

[doitright1]

There are other cities that have great weather like you experienced here in Hawai'i (LA, Long beach, etc.) but unfortunately they are going to be just as expensive as Hawai'i is naturally.

[KonaKat]

The water off California is not very warm until august!

[SkyBob]

Maybe Galveston? Definitely consider the Florida Keys.

[UHgrad]

Originally Posted by 1800yolk

I vacationed in Maui many years ago, and really enjoyed it. Particularly, the weather not being too hot or too cold, as well as the ocean being a perfect swimming temperature year round. I did a bit of snorkelling, and that alone is something I could move to Hawaii for, to have access to year round. Also, due to my back and sinus health, it would be good to move to somewhere humid and warm where I could also swim a lot.

Unfortunately, the living costs in Hawaii are pretty high, so I'm looking at alternatives. Does anybody have suggestions for cities with easy access to warm, clear swimming conditions like in Hawaii? It would be nice if these conditions were year round, but if there are places like that a majority of the year I'd be interested to hear about them too. Doesn't have to be in the US either

Thanks!

Most any islands near/in the tropics are similar. Puerto Rico, St Thomas (Virgin Islands), Barbados, etc... Bermuda is a little cooler but is beautiful as well. Places in Mexico like Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas felt very similar to me (I thought the snorkeling was actually better). The Florida keys are muggier but stay warm year round and have great snorkeling/swimming. Costa Rica is popular right now for those reasons too. The ocean moderates the temperature big time so find anyplace near/in the tropics where the winds usually come off the water and you will find what you are looking for.

[Tiger Beer]

Philippines has 7000+ islands....extremely cheap to live there, visit there, retire there, etc.

Hawaii is gorgeous....but plenty of islands all over the world. Carribbean and Pacific Islands (like Tahiti, etc.) are equally expensive.

But, for whatever reasons, islands like the Philippines are often completely overlooked. I've island-hopped around the Philippines at least 20 different times, exploring different islands each time. Really amazing and beautiful places as well.

Of course, Hawaii is the best of the best, but nontheless.

[Cartoonemon]

You may consider some coastal cities in Southeast Asia except for Singapore where living cost is even higher than Hawaii.

From east to west, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and, probably in the near future, Myanmar are options to be considered.

[doitright1]

There are a number of reasons why the Philippines is "overlooked". Foreigners can't own land, corrupt government, terrible healthcare, etc. etc. I considered and still maybe am considering retiring there for good but there are a number of issues that have to considered in the case of the Philippines. Because otherwise, everyone else would already be there.

[startgroup]

I would move to Thailand in a heartbeat. But I chose Maui cause it is closer to my family (California).

[1800yolk]

Thanks for all your responses so far! I'll definitely have quite a bit of research to do, but I am glad I have some great starting points.