Cost of Living

The most common first reaction we get is..."I hear a gallon of milk costs $9" as if to warn us of impending doom.  To which we reply "then I guess it's a good thing we don't drink milk!" :)

I firmly believe that if you make adjustments, things will work out.  Yes, the cost of living is slightly higher, and I really mean slightly, but you are living in Hawaii! Of course they will and they should!  But it's all relative.  I would almost venture to say that through our research (and Chad already living there for over a month) it is either right on par, or slightly lower than California.  However, like in any give and take relationship, there will also be some "takes" (or reductions) in cost.  To me, Arizona does not have a lot of "free" entertainment.  I feel like all I do is: eat out, shop and go to movies.  That all costs money!  In Hawaii you not only have the ocean, but this one you can swim, snorkel, surf, SUP (stand up paddle) in.  You get to go hiking in beautiful mountains and volcanoes...and the list goes on. 

So if you think we are crazy, that is ok with me.  But I feel we will be ok.  In fact I think we will be more than ok!

*and in case you're wondering, here are the costs of some items when I was there in Oct:

• Milk: $4.25
• Gas: $3.95
• Pair of sandals (or slippers as they call them) at Costco: $11.95
• 2 tacos at Jack in the Box: $0.99
• Cheeseburger at McDonalds: $1.00
• An iron at Walmart: $8.99