Thinking of returning to Oahu

[MickeyE]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Your budget is not sufficient for a 2-3 bedroom place unless you are willing to live in a very rough the edges place. I'd bump your budget by 50%.

2 people on $60K - some CAN and DO - many single people making $50K pack and go.

Dream hard - look at it as a glass half full proposition - it doesn't matter if you have to live check to check or in a run down place - you are in HAWAII!

Heck white, I live check to check and I don't live in Hawaii! I could probably do better in Hawaii because property taxes here are eating up my paycheck.

I'm gonna fill my glass - with vodka and 7, no ice!

Mickey

[Manarii_HNL]

i dont pay attention to rents, but I walk by the Marin tower almost every day and see a one bedroom sign for $1200 on up. It's on Smith St. at Nimirtz. High rise.

EVerybody has differnent opinions. I think most would not do something for under $x amount of dollars or other criteria. But you have to do what is best for you. I cannot imagine in my wildest dreams not being able to survive off $60k AND for two if you needed to. But as someone said, they knew someone who fled making $50K for a single person, although I could live quite well and then some off of that salary...

[from nv]

whtviper - When we lived in Aiea back in 2005, we were in a small 724sq ft place, and it was just fine. Some people don't like tight quarters, but it wasn't so bad for us....we just had to get used to living in it since we moved from a 1600 sq ft place on the mainland. I can't imagine NOT being able to live on $60K, as we were only making about $28K back then as well.

I just know that the cost of everything has went up since then and was hoping to find out what it's risen to, which is why I had originally posted. We just want to be sort of prepared (again) when we make our return.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by from nv

whtviper - When we lived in Aiea back in 2005, we were in a small 724sq ft place, and it was just fine. Some people don't like tight quarters, but it wasn't so bad for us....we just had to get used to living in it since we moved from a 1600 sq ft place on the mainland. I can't imagine NOT being able to live on $60K, as we were only making about $28K back then as well.

I just know that the cost of everything has went up since then and was hoping to find out what it's risen to, which is why I had originally posted. We just want to be sort of prepared (again) when we make our return.

Ok, lets go back to the original post - what rent has risen to, a single family home for rent with 2-3 bedrooms is out of reach on your budget. You'll need to rent something smallish, perhaps not as small as 724 sq feet, and you should focus your search in difficult to commute areas where rent is more reasonable like Kapolei, Ewa Beach, or Mililani.

The median household income in Oahu is now over $70K and rents have risen to reflect that. Rents currently seem to also be going up currently with the improving economy. As I mentioned, some but not most (by looking at median salary) live on $60K for 2 people or more.

I don't know where in N Virginia you are at - but I'll assume you are familiar with Washington DC, lets use as an example. Most cost of living calculators tell you a $60K salary in DC is comparable to a $86K salary in Honolulu.

Food looks to be 20% higher so budget for that. I have no idea on car insurance - call your agent. Cable is probably about the same. Electric will run you $150 with no air to potentially over $300 with air.

[Joliefille]

I would second the suggestion to look at Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Mililani etc. I think a more reasonable amount for renting anything decent would be $2000 and up. The commute isn't bad to the airport if you can avoid rush hour. Starts at 6:30 am ends around 8:00 am and 3:30 pm till about 6:00 pm.

Food can be a shocker, but it's also one of the areas you have some control over. (Unlike insurance, utilities etc.) We spend around $600 per month on groceries and cook at home most of the time.

And as far as your ability to be a housewife...I say it's good work if you can get it!

[Amy P.]

I cant really help on the housing since im still a poor college student but you could always try craigslist. There are people who rent out part of their homes that are separated from the main part if youre okay with that kind of thing. There is some housing near Liliha area that got refurnished recently but the sq footage is small. Theyre called Waena Apartments. Ive been in the 2 bedroom one since my friend lives there and its not bad.

[CyberCity]

My daughter just renteded a nice 2 bedroom apartment in the Punahou area for about $1400 (plus utilities except water). Can you rent the "non" apartment you seek for cheap? Maybe an ohana unit, if you can find one. [Be sure to check out the area carefully, especially when you get into cheaper rent category.]

If you don't have a car payment (which it sounds like you do not), and no debt, and no kids in private school or college, yes, you can get by on $60K if you watch your budget.

$60K less 1/3 taxes = $40K left.
$40 K less 18K rent (@ $1500/mo) = 22K left
That is a bit over $400 a week to cover food, insurance, utilities, etc.
Definitely doable if you budget.

Plan well, watch your dollars, and be a happy domestic engineer who helps keep the budget in control by doing things like good home cooking, not needing a second car, etc.

[from nv]

CyberCity & Amy P - Thanks for the help!