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When I moved here the first time, I was prepared for a big shock in regards to prices and cost of living. But coming from the Washington DC area, it really wasn't that different. Groceries were a little more expensive, and car insurance was a good chunk higher for me here. But as a hair stylist, I also charged a little more here, and got a little more in tips accordingly.
It really evened out.
The only major difference I saw was that in DC, you could move to the suburbs to get a bigger house, or the same house for less money. You could keep going further and further out to make your dollar stretch farther, and then commute in via train/metro.
Obviously, that's not an option here. So if you need to adjust your budget, it's much more difficult with less options.
Maybe that's not true coming from other places.
On a side note Target though is a racket here. I still go there often, but I can't believe the price differences from mainland Target to here - about 25%! I don't see that huge hike at Walmart or Kmart. Do you guys?
Lisa From Maui wrote: If you don't live here, you don't understand. Everything costs more living in Hawai'i. Things you never expected... bills will hit you, from out of nowhere.
Mogon wrote: These sentences ought to be a flashing sticky at the top of this forum!
I have to disagree. Yes it might be a couple of cents more for most of the basics, but nothing that will make a huge difference. Milk, eggs, bread, fruit, have a slight higher price. Utilities are the same. Yes, prices are higher, but not high enough to break or scare you.
That part about "BILLS WILL HIT YOU, FROM OUT OF NOWHERE", that happens anywhere!!!
I believe grocery prices vary by island and competition. On Kauai they are considerably more than the mainland. I don't mind paying more because of extra shipping costs but at times I feel I'm being gouged. Charging whatever the market will bare is not a Hawaii phenomenon though.
Yes it might be a couple of cents more for most of the basics, but nothing that will make a huge difference. Milk, eggs, bread, fruit, have a slight higher price.
I don't know what your definition of "slight" is but it's different from mine. E.g., a gallon of milk in Denver, during a ubiquitous promo, is $1.79. In Hilo, during a promo, it's $3.00 or $3.50. A loaf of decent, whole wheat store-brand bread in Denver runs ~$2.59; in Hilo a similar loaf was $4.00 (on sale) to $5.50 (not on sale.)
Maybe 50% higher is "slight" to you, but not to most folks.
I don't know what your definition of "slight" is but it's different from mine. E.g., a gallon of milk in Denver, during a ubiquitous promo, is $1.79. In Hilo, during a promo, it's $3.00 or $3.50. A loaf of decent, whole wheat store-brand bread in Denver runs ~$2.59; in Hilo a similar loaf was $4.00 (on sale) to $5.50 (not on sale.)
Maybe 50% higher is "slight" to you, but not to most folks.
I agree; for someone to say a couple of cents more...
Location: Big Island- Hawaii, AK, WA where the whales are!
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In the ratio of everything costs more, some the same.... it seems that employers pays less.Add that to the cost of trying to get to mainland to see family. Not a train ride or 45 minute flight. The cost of living in Hawaii does become more expensive, with less options for sale price shopping.
Some of the differences in price, though, may be just a moving thing. Whenever folks move to a new place, there are additional fees and things they have to pony up that aren't a usual day-by-day sort of expense. Deposits, initiation fees, etc., as well as not knowing where the best prices on things are or where to even find stuff in the first place.
Plus some stuff just isn't findable at all. Just ask my visiting auntie. Everyday we'd be on a hunt for something she felt the need for that just wasn't available. I think she just likes hunting.
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