It is the dream of most people to retire in paradise and there is no place that fits that description like Hawaii. However, there are a few things that all people should know in order to better prepare themselves for the move to Hawaii.
Expensive
Those that move to Hawaii are usually shocked at just how much more expensive the cost of living is in Hawaii when compared to other areas that they have lived. However, they are warned by most people that have ever visited the island before. However, it really depends on which part of the island that the person decides to move onto. There are those that are not nearly as expense and more close to what people paid when they lived elsewhere.
One of the expensive items that most people are not prepared for is the cost of groceries. Usually people find that they pay around twenty five percent more for everything that they buy when compared to the groceries that they use to get. However, there are a few ways in which people can save themselves some money that have been figured by those that have been there and done that. First, look for places in which you can buy meat products wholesale and stock up when the price is right. Secondly, consider using a local market for fish products as this can be much cheaper and fresher. And third of all, wholesale vegetables are also the way to go so consider produce markets and the like for these items.
The utilities in the area are also something that usually gives people a bit of a panic attack when they get their first bill since they are usually paying on average sixty-five percent more per hour than what they use to pay elsewhere in the states. The person will find that water prices are generally just about the same, which is a relief for most people. Natural gas is not a consideration since there are no lines in most areas of Hawaii. And for those that are wondering about gas prices, they will find that they are about a dollar high than the rest of the United States, thus they may want to consider how to make sure that they are not driving that much and are condensing trips as much as possible.
And for those that are wondering about the entertainment portion that they will spend, such as the cable, internet and so forth. They will find that the price is about average to what most people in the rest of the United States are paying.
Those that do decide to retire to Hawaii will find comfort in one expense on the island and that is the fact that the retirement pension and annuity income are exempt from taxes!
