How to Live on a Budget in Hawaii

Hawaii has been consistently rated as one of the most expensive states in the nation. Making this problem worse is the lack of high-paying jobs in the state, its reliance on tourism to boost its economy, and the high cost of importing food and produce to the islands. With all of these factors in mind, there are some very clear steps to get you moving to and living in Hawaii comfortably even on the tightest of budgets.

Instructions

Moving to Hawaii

1. Buy a round-trip flight to Hawaii and your departing city even if you don't know when you will be going back. Round-trip tickets are half the price of one-way tickets, and many airlines allow you to change the date of the flight back at little to no extra cost. A decent round-trip ticket should cost under $800 per person.

2. Bring just one suitcase. Everything you need to live in Hawaii can be purchased when you get there. If you're moving to Hawaii, chances are you are trying to start anew, so you might as well start out with new everything!

3. Don't say your farewells at the last minute. You will probably be back to the mainland or wherever it is you're coming from just once a year--if that. So make sure you've visited all the important people you'd hoped to see long before your departure date.

Budgeting Your Money

1. Buy clothes at many of the state's decent Goodwill, Savers or second-hand stores. Don't go to the mall to stock your new wardrobe! T-shirts, shorts and slippers are pretty much the standard outfit in Hawaii every day of the year.

2. Shop at Safeway, Star Market or Foodland for food and produce. While Hawaii has plenty of really tempting and really expensive organic food markets like Down to Earth, Huckleberry Farms and Whole Foods, it's wise to stay away as you're just starting out. On the weekends, you can find some cheap farmer's markets around town if you're craving something organic and local. There are also plenty of cheap plate lunch places where you can buy a meal for under $5. Try to avoid eating out as much as possible.

3. Take the bus. Car and gas is expensive and often not worth the cost. The bus on Oahu (all buses have bike racks) pretty much takes you where you want to go for just $1.50 per ride. If you're really in a pinch, then drive a moped or scooter, which will get you where you need to go on less gas. A lot of the islands can be experienced by foot or on a bike, too.

4. Get a job. Hawaii has one of the highest employment percentages in the country. Take advantage of all of the state and local employment opportunities. Most college grad jobs start at $12 per hour (see Resources below).

5. Rent a cheap place in a central location. Odds are that you won't be spending that much time indoors or at home, so settle for something less than perfect. Most shared apartments cost from $500 to $700 per month.

Tips & Warnings

• The newspaper and the tourist magazines in Waikiki have really decent coupons that locals can take full advantage of when dining or going out.

• There are "kama'aina" (local resident) rates for admission to most attractions in Hawaii (like zoos, aquariums and cultural centers), so get a local ID upon arrival.

Resources

• Get a Job in Hawaii