As the capital city of Hawaii on the island of Oahu’s south shore, Honolulu boasts a subtropical climate. However, the year-round warm weather isn't just about escaping the winter blues. It translates to a lifestyle that revolves around the great outdoors.

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Embrace the Aloha Spirit

Honolulu beats with the rhythm of "Aloha." It is a way of life prioritizing kindness, respect, and living in harmony with the land. 

You'll see it in the shakas, hear it in the gentle greetings, and taste it in the fresh poke bowls. But remember, Honolulu is not a theme park.

The key to experiencing the best of Honolulu is to blend in seamlessly with the locals. Make yourself a part of the community by learning basic Hawaiian phrases like "mahalo" to thank you.

Moreover, you should respect the culture of Honolulu. The island of over 300,000 residents is big on respect. You may have to address older people as ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’ at some point.

But do all these make Honolulu special? Is Honolulu a good place to move to? 

Yes! Just ask any Honolulu moving company. They will tell you stories of newcomers who quickly fall in love with the island's unique charm and never want to leave.

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Budget Like a Boss

Maybe you’ve already pictured yourself lying beside a palm tree, sipping coconut juice off a freshly cracked coconut. 

To be frank, that’s beautiful!

But you can have the best time in Honolulu when you do your financial homework. Honolulu’s charm does not come cheap—prepare for higher costs.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Honolulu? Well, it depends on the lifestyle you wish to adopt. 

But here’s a breakdown of living costs you should expect:

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Housing Prices

Honolulu is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. with housing costs about 214% higher than the national average, making your mainland rent look like a happy hour special.

For instance, a studio apartment costs $1,830, while a two-bedroom apartment should cost around $3,424. The average rent varies by neighborhood, though. 

In places like Waikiki, Ala Moana Kakaako, and Diamond Head Kapahulu St Louis, the average rent costs more than $3,200 per month. But if you prefer owning to renting, the mortgage rate is 6.58%.

• Average Rent: $2,138
• Median Home Value: $605,000

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Living Costs

Basic living costs in Honolulu are a staggering 84% higher than the national average. Many items get imported, leading to higher prices for groceries and household goods.

Other instances like utilities would take a big swing at your earnings. Your phone bill can cost about $270.30 per month, while energy bills come in at $251.26 per month.

Pro tip: Budget wisely and look for local markets. Farmers' markets are fantastic for fresh produce and a taste of local culture. Consider living with roommates or in smaller spaces to save on rent. A downsized living situation and a minimalist island lifestyle will stretch your dollar far.

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Forget the Rush Hour Rage

Remember that "hurry sickness" you used to have back on the mainland? 

The bus might be a few minutes late, the line at the grocery store might move slowly, and that's okay! 

Living in Honolulu compels you to live in the present—breathe deeply, appreciate the sunshine, and maybe even strike up a conversation with your fellow islanders.

Seriously, if you lived in a place where the crime rate is considerably lower than the national average like Honolulu, you’d want to stop and smell the roses. Violent crime is at an all-time low in Honolulu, but you might want to step back a bit when it comes to property crime.

Note: There’s a 1 in 30 chance you’ll fall victim to property crime in Honolulu. These odds are pretty slim, but if you secure your belongings well enough, there’s little chance anyone will come to drag your flip-flops off your feet.

The Great Outdoors

One of the biggest perks of Honolulu life? Your backyard is a giant playground!

You can trade your gym membership for a hike to Diamond Head Crater or swap your morning jog for a sunrise surf session at Waikiki Beach.  

Hiking trails, crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish, and epic mountain views are all within reach. So, you don’t have to pant around looking for where to live in Honolulu—everywhere’s lined with great sights and natural beauty.

Even better? There are only two seasons in Honolulu—summer (May to October) and winter (November to April) with temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F.

Note: During the winter months, sudden and brief rain showers can occur. Although it gets pretty humid, the ocean breeze often provides relief.

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Find Your Tribe

Moving to a new place can be daunting, but Honolulu is brimming with friendly faces. 

Island life is all about community, after all. You can join a local beach volleyball team or volunteer for community projects. Moreover, striking up conversations with locals at farmers’ markets is a great way to meet people who share your interests.

Alternatively, you can bury your head in work. There are lots of opportunities in the job market here. For instance, Honolulu is a popular tourist destination, so if your career path is in hospitality and tourism, you hit the jackpot!

• Median Household Income: $82,772
• Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
• Poverty Rate: 11.3%

Healthcare, retail, and education are other sectors that thrive well for professionals here. Let’s not forget that proximity to the ocean makes Honolulu a great trading port for businesses seeking to expand across international borders.

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Bonus Tip: Learn to Love Spam

When in Rome or, rather, Honolulu…, you just have to love spam musubi. 

It's a popular local snack featuring fried spam on a bed of rice wrapped in seaweed. The truth is, it might not be your first choice but with an open mind and a sprinkle of Aloha spirit, you might just discover a new delicious delicacy.

Also, don’t miss out on trying poke (raw fish salad), loco moco (rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy), and malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts).

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Moving to Honolulu 

Moving to Honolulu is an adventure unlike any other. You get to embrace the laid-back lifestyle and connect with the welcoming community.  

Just remember, paradise isn't perfect, and it doesn’t go very easy on the wallet, but it sure beats the heck out of rush hour traffic and snow days. 

Make that move to Honolulu, HI, and you’d say ‘Mahalo’ to yourself every day.

Good luck!