Fresh fruit, epic hikes, and balmy weather are just a few of the reasons to consider living in Hawaii. But high income taxes, climate change, and the cost of living may discourage you from making the move.
Most people see the Aloha State as a vacation destination. But what’s stopping you from relocating to the beach permanently? For some people, Hawaii is a paradise of warm weather and good vibes. For others, the distance from the mainland and the islands’ vulnerability to rising sea levels are reasons to stay away.
To help you make a decision, we’re explaining the top pros and cons of living in Hawaii. Whether you need car insurance
for where you live now or tips on relocating to a new state, Jerry
is a trustworthy super app
that has your back. From volcanoes and waterfalls to healthcare and taxes, here’s everything you need to know about moving to Hawaii. Pro: Stunning natural beauty
From picturesque volcanoes to tropical plants
, sandy beaches to hillside waterfalls
, Hawaii has arguably some of the most beautiful and rare natural beauty in the USA. Its romantic backdrop is why so many people travel to Hawaii for vacations and honeymoons! Let’s start with the volcanoes! Summit Mauna Kea
and watch the sunrise over the crater. Watch the lava flow at Kilauea. Hike Diamond Head
, a dormant volcano, and gaze down at Waikiki’s beaches. Speaking of beaches, you can find every color of sand on the Hawaiian Islands. Find black sand at the famous Punaluʻu beach or dip your toes in rusty red sand at Kaihalulu Bay. If you want white sand, head to Hapuna Beach.
If you are passionate about getting active outdoors—or even if you simply prefer gazing at Mother Nature’s beauty through a mosquito net from your porch—Hawaii offers a stunning diversity of natural attractions.
Pro: Pleasant weather for an outdoor lifestyle
In addition to the beautiful scenery in the Aloha State, the weather is friendly, too! It’s warm all year round
in Hawaii, even if the rain picks up in the winter due to the ocean’s stabilizing effect on the climate and its tropical latitude. It is rare for nighttime temperatures in Hawaii to dip below a balmy 65°F. You can hike, walk, waterski, SCUBA dive, snorkel, or even shop for groceries in your swimsuit all year round here.
Not only does the air here feel good on your face, but it’s also really good for your lungs! Hawaii consistently ranks at the top of the list for best air quality
in the nation. You won’t find any urban smog or ozone pollution on the islands. Clear skies mean that Hawaii offers world-class stargazing
, too. And don’t forget about the rainbows! Hawaii is the rainbow capital of the world
, and rainbows are deeply significant
in indigenous Hawaiian culture. How might your life change if you could spend more time outdoors?
MORE:Everything you need to know about driving in Honolulu
Con: High cost of living
It’s time for a reality check—the cost of living in Hawaii
is ridiculously high. Let’s start with the essentials. How does $9 for a gallon of milk sound? Groceries, take-out, drinks with friends, and movie tickets will cost you much more in Hawaii than on the mainland.
Housing prices are even less affordable. It has even gotten so bad that local Hawaiians are being priced out of the market.
Whether you plan to rent or buy, expect to pay a premium for four walls and a roof (even a thatched roof). For a studio apartment in Oahu (excluding utilities), rent prices are between $1,000 and $1,600. Aone-bedroom condo may cost $3,000 per month. Currently, the median sales price of a single-family home in Oahu is well over one million dollars.
Finally, don’t forget taxes! Hawaii is one of the country's top five highest income tax states. You could pay up to 11% in income tax.
Pro: Low crime rates
The Hawaiian Islands are generally considered to be relatively safe.
The violent crime rate here is well below the national average. There are only 2.5 incidents per 1,000 people in Hawaii versus 4 per 1,000 nationally. In addition, gun violence rates in this state are the lowest out of all 50 states.
Property crime here is slightly more common, with Maui topping the list as the island with the highest crime rate. However, aside from tourist traps
and some drug-related activity, you are unlikely to encounter threatening activity anywhere in Hawaii. MORE:Hawaii road closures
Con: Limited economic opportunities and tons of tourists
Hawaii’s economy revolves around two main industries: tourism and agriculture.
Millions of haole
travel to the Hawaiian Islands each year. As a result, hotels, resorts, tours, and attractions provide many of the jobs available in Hawaii. The good news is that you can probably find a job catering to tourists if you’re willing to clean hotel rooms or manage tour groups. The bad news is that tourists will be there whether you like them or not.
Agriculture is a growing industry in Hawaii. Sugarcane, pineapple, coffee, macadamia nuts, cattle, and taro are popular crops for local consumption and export. If you’re interested in growing food or working on a farm, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in Hawaii.
There is also a significant military presence here. But if you don’t like tourists, farms, or the military, you might struggle to find employment in Hawaii.
Pro: Racial diversity
Let’s talk about the incredible racial diversity of people in Hawaii.
About 36% are Asian, 22% are white, 10% are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 10% are Latino or Hispanic. About 20% identify as mixed race. In fact, Hawaii is home to the most significant proportion of multiracial people, with the sixth-highest total multiracial population in the USA.
The traditional Hawaiian culture
is rich in tight-knit family relationships, a deep spiritual connection to land and sea, and a history of artisans and performers who craft stories and shape the future. If you are very lucky, you might be invited to a traditional ceremony or an intimate luau with your new Hawaiian neighbors. Pro: Fresh fruits and vegetables
Succulent pineapple, juicy mangoes, tender avocados—these are just a few of the farm-fresh fruits and vegetables you can enjoy in Hawaii.
Because Hawaii has so many productive farms and a perfect growing climate, you are basically guaranteed a constant supply of the freshest produce you have ever tasted in your life.
In Hawaii, the food is local, delicious, healthy, and downright inspiring!
Con: The effects of climate change are hitting Hawaii harder
The reality of climate change is undeniable. Unfortunately, Hawaii is experiencing some of the worst effects of this global crisis.
Though Hawaiian people are resilient, this island state is vulnerable to increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, inclement weather, and dwindling resources.
Water shortages in Hawaii
have made the news several times in the last few years. Unfortunately, fresh water will only become more scarce as newcomers and tourists continue increasing demand.In the next decade, the sea level will rise by several inches
and threaten essential infrastructure. Hawaii's rainfall is dropping yearly, and hurricanes and tropical cyclones are becoming more common. The only thing worse than a natural disaster is a natural disaster thousands of miles away from help.
Pro: High-quality, equitable healthcare
Healthcare in Hawaii is world-class, earning top ratings for affordable and accessible care. Best of all, these outcomes are consistent
across all ethnic groups in Hawaii. Have you heard of the Hawaii Prepaid Healthcare Act
? This is a unique decree that provides “near-universal healthcare” to Hawaiians. It requires private employers to offer health insurance to all employees who work 20 hours or more per week for four weeks in a row. It’s worth pointing out that you cannot be quickly airlifted from Hawaii to the mainland for emergency surgery, however. But if you do not have complex medical issues, then the fresh air, active lifestyle, and excellent healthcare in Hawaii will do wonders for your well-being.
Pro: Your friends and family will love visiting you
Let’s end with a few words you’ve probably heard before: “I’d love to come visit Hawaii!”
If you live in a tropical paradise like Hawaii, your friends and family will have every reason in the book to come visit you.
Family reunion? Do it in Hawaii. Girls’ getaway? Hawaii. Honeymoons and holidays? Go to Hawaii! Move to the Aloha State and you can look forward to a steady flow of visits from loved ones.
Is Hawaii a good state to live in?
Yes, living in Hawaii is great, although there are a few disadvantages. Before you relocate, take stock of the pros and cons to ensure you can stand by your decision for years to come.
Hawaii is the perfect place to live for:
However, if you have any worries about climate change or you’re concerned about the limited economic opportunities, you may find that Hawaii doesn’t suit your needs.
How to upgrade your car insurance in Hawaii
Car insurance in Hawaii is obligatory—and it’s also really expensive. Potholes and curvy oceanside roads
can be super dangerous in this state! While Jerry
doesn’t currently have car insurance in Hawaii, we can still help! If you are thinking of having a vacation home in Hawaii and keeping a car at your primary residence in any of the continuous 48 states, we’ve got your back! Jerry can help you compare rates, no matter where you live or what car you drive. Tweak your coverage until you’re happy, and then see which company has the lowest price. Jerry can sign you up for a new policy in no time.
Jerry means no paperwork, no phone calls—just savings. Because you have better things to do in Hawaii than shop for car insurance…like snorkel with turtles and eat shave ice.
“Before Jerry
I was paying $280 for basic full coverage. Jerry found me a Progressive plan for $117 that includes better coverage. This was even better than previous quotes I’d received!” —Faith M.
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