Around 72,000 people relocated to Hawaii in 2023, showing that the Aloha state regularly receives new residents both temporary and permanent ones. So if you’re also thinking of moving to Hawaii and are wondering how much it might cost, this guide will answer just that. From moving expenses to housing fees and transportation costs, we’ll discuss it all:
First of All - Why Relocate to Hawaii?
An Unbeatable, Enchanting Environment
With its lush rainforests, varying aquatic life, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating beachies, Hawaii encompasses several natural wonders. Whether it’s the towering Kilauea volcano, golden beaches and endless sunshine of Maui Island, or lush valleys of Na Pali coast, the paradise states all the scenic reasons to move here.
A Pleasant Tropical Climate
The atmosphere and weather is warm most of the time. When you go there, you will notice that in this, Hawaii has only two predominant seasons called Hoolio (or winter in English) and Kua (also known as summer). The weather is warm and temperatures are moderate year-round, fluctuating between 75°F and 85°F. It’s this type of weather that opens up a number of other activities - riding bikes, hiking, playing a round of golf or going snorkelling.
A Unique, Multicultural Society
Hawaii is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the nation with a population comprising 38.6% Asians, 10% Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders, and 28.6% multi-ethnic inhabitants. This simply indicates that the state is ethnically diverse and there are diverse cultures. Multiculturalism is evident in all areas of life, be it music and celebrations, to food and customs, so you can completely immerse yourself in a rich and distinct culture.
Excellent, High-Quality Healthcare
Hawaii has been identified as one of the healthiest states in the US, claiming second place in the 2025 Scorecard on State Health System Performance, released by The Commonwealth Fund. It has been associated with low rates of smoking, mental health issues, and obesity. Not to mention, the state offers quality and optimum care through renowned hospitals like Straub Clinic and Hospital and The Queen’s Medical Center.
The Ideal, Secluded Work-From-Home Location
The serene atmosphere and dreamy landscape make Hawaii the perfect choice for digital nomads who wish to work in remote settings. What makes this place more interesting is the time difference - if your company is located in the mainland, you can enjoy peaceful mornings before getting to work in the afternoon.
3 Factors that Influence the Cost of Moving to Hawaii
More often than not, we are asked the question, “How much would it cost to move to Hawaii?” Although there isn’t a specific answer to this question; nonetheless, we have rounded up some factors that affect the cost of moving to walk you through the process.
Quantity and Size of Belongings
The cost of moving to Hawaii is contingent on the quantity and size of your possessions. The more belongings you have, the more the cost will increase. For instance, the cost of shipping a giant wardrobe will be considerably higher than a few suitcases filled with personal items.
Distance to Hawaii
Another factor that must be taken into account is the distance from your current location. Again, it’s simple math - the farther you are from Hawaii, such as New York, the more the shipping costs will put a dent in your pocket. In contrast, if you plan to move from California, there won’t be any need to break the bank.
Seasonal Variations
The cost of moving hinges on the seasonal variations, too. Planning to relocate to Hawaii during peak seasons can skyrocket the moving expenses.
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Detailed Breakdown of The Moving Costs to Hawaii
Still on the fence about “how much would it exactly cost to move to Hawaii?” No need to sweat. Let’s see the moving expenses more comprehensively.
Hiring Professional Movers
There’s no denying the fact that engaging the services of professional movers can save you from a great deal of hassle, as the experts can manage various aspects of relocation effortlessly. However, you’ll have to pay for this convenience because hiring pro movers can go up to $10,000 or even more for door to door moves, depending on the quantity of possessions and the kind of moving service you select.
For instance, a 20’ container, which fits 2-3 bedroom house stuff inside, can cost $9,000 to $14,000 for door to door moves. This means you don’t have to do anything besides packing the stuff if that’s not included in the moving contract.
Renting a Moving Container
If the cost of professional movers seems a bit too much for you, you can always capitalize on shipping containers, as they give you the liberty to pack things at your leisure. Naturally, the rental costs hinge on the size of the container you want and destination port. Origin port is typically Los Angeles port.
- For instance, a 20ft container may cost $1,000 to $1,200 from the port of LA to port Honolulu. This size can hold the stuff of a 2-3 bedroom house.
- A 40’ container might cost $1,500 to $2,000 from the port of LA to a port in Hawaii. This size can hold the stuff of a 3-4 bedroom house.
- You might get a 45’ container for $2,500 to $3,000 from LA port to a port in Hawaii. This size can hold the stuff of a 4-5 bedroom house.
Remember, land transport cost to and from the port is not included in this. Packing costs are separate as well.
Transporting Your Belongings
When it comes to transporting your personal belongings to Hawaii, you can leverage different options, from ocean freight, budget-friendly but takes the longest transit time, to shipping containers - a secure yet expensive option.
The costs we provided above for renting a trailer are only for port to port RoRo shipping and you will be responsible for packing, transporting and dropping off the stuff to the port.
Then once it reaches the destination port, you’ll have to pick it and transport to the final drop point in Hawaii so the costs for those are separate and can reach $1,000 for each side just for land transport.
Detailed Breakdown of Living Costs in Hawaii
Housing: Buying vs. Renting
Let’s start with housing. In Hawaii, renting or buying is not so cut and dry. Before you decide, evaluate the property and rental markets. The median home cost in Hawaii is a hefty $8,31,000, which is double the $444,000 national average of home sale price in the US.
Renting may seem more appealing, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park either. The median rent for a 596 sq. ft apartment stands around $2,224 per month in Honolulu.
Utility:
Things like water, waste, energy, and the internet can set you back by $410 per month or sometimes a little more.
Food and Grocery:
Since Hawaii has a remote location with a sea in between, the goods are mostly imported from the mainland, including organic, canned, and processed foods, leading to higher expenses. On average, expect to spend about $556 monthly for essential groceries.
Transportation:
Your chosen mode of moving around the Island can impact your living costs. Expect to pay $80 for a monthly bus pass, which is one of the most affordable ways to get around. You can get more convenience with a car but the fuel costs are high in Hawaii.
Healthcare:
Healthcare is not that expensive in Hawaii. The annual healthcare insurance cost for an individual as of 2025 is $5,704 per year.
| Category | Hawaii Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Median Home: $8,31,000 | Nearly double the national average |
| Apartment rent: $2,224 per month | ||
| Utility | Utilities: >$410/month | Includes electric, water, waste, and internet |
| Food and Grocery | Grocery: ~$556/month | Higher due to food importation |
| Transportation | Bus Pass: $80/month | Economical option |
| Gasoline Prices: $4.47 per gallon | If you own a car |
Cost of Moving a Vehicle to Hawaii
Expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500 when shipping a car to Hawaii and this cost range heavily depends on many factors including distance, with longer routes costing more. The vehicle will be picked up from the home and moved to the port, from there it will be loaded onto a ferry and shipped using RoRo.
So if the pickup location is far from the port, or if it’s in a remote location, expect to pay a higher overall cost to ship the car. For instance, picking up your automobile from West Coast states such as California or Washington is less costlier than moving vehicles all the way from the East Coast to the port.
Next, the class of your vehicle can influence the quotation. Vehicles with smaller and lighter profiles such as sedans, motorcycles, and compact cars will have an overall lower shipping cost ranging from $1,100 to $1,500. However, larger vehicles like SUVs and Trucks can cost up to $1,800 if distance stays the same.
Another factor is the over the road shipping method to and from the ports, either open carrier - cost-effective but subjects your vehicle to the environment, or enclosed shipping - secure but increases the costs.
Additionally, the cost of moving a vehicle can substantially alter with seasonality. Summers and winter holiday months, including snowbird season, often witness a spike in demand, thereby leading to high shipping costs. Therefore, it’s better to choose an off-peak period to fetch a competitive price.
Finally, make sure to pick an experienced shipping company that provides a unique blend of affordability and reliability. As the top-tier auto transport company, we believe in making every move a breeze. Call us today at (888) 687-3243 or use our car transport quote calculator to find out the vehicle moving costs in minutes.
4 Valuable Tips for Moving to Hawaii
Make sure to keep the following important tips in mind when moving to Hawaii to ensure the process is smooth and free from any major headaches.
Start Planning Months Ahead
The sooner you start planning your move, the more time you will have on your hands to execute your relocation. Most people choose the time between May and September to relocate, which inflates the moving costs so you can select a different time by being prepared in advance.
Make a list covering the whole move, all the important tasks such as exploring neighborhoods in Hawaii, researching the job market, booking auto transport companies, changing postal addresses, notifying relevant authorities and insurers etc. You can decide on the moving month before or after the peak periods and have everything prepped and ready to go to avoid any last-minute chaos.
Save Money
You can save money in three ways:
- Timing your move to avoid peak seasons
- Heavily negotiating with the movers and car shippers
- Selling heavy/bulky furniture and other items before moving
The third step will help you avoid paying hefty shipping costs of taking oversized items to Hawaii. Plus, you can hold garage sales for other smaller stuff such as old decoration items, toys, kitchen appliances etc. to raise money to contribute toward your moving costs.
Another effective tip is to buy packing materials from craigslist or ebay to avoid paying for the whole thing and get just enough to cover your move.
Ensure Your Vehicle is in Top Shape
Are you planning to take your vehicle with you to Hawaii? In that case, make sure it is in excellent condition. This way, it can pass the inspection and cope with the challenges of transportation.
Also, ensure to give your vehicle a proper check-up and get things repaired wherever necessary. Or, get in touch with reliable auto transport services that guarantee your vehicle is ready for shipment.
Learn About Hawaiian Culture
We understand you’d be excited to just pack your bags and venture into the aloha spirit of the Hawaiian Islands. But it’s a good idea to learn a bit about the culture as well because this will help you adjust faster, make friends, and thoroughly enjoy your time in Hawaii. The Aloha spirit of the island embodies the warmth, both-way respect, and genuine vibes, so offer that to the locals and you’ll get the same in return. Furthermore, learn the basic greeting words like Mahalo (thank you) or Aloha (hello) to communicate better with locals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to relocate to Hawaii permanently?
Yes, Hawaii is an American state just like any other state. So you can simply go there and reside. But yes, you will need to register the vehicle with the Hawaii DMV and obtain a new Hawaii drivers license among other things that you would usually do if you are moving to another state.
Is it worthwhile to move to Hawaii?
Absolutely! Nothing better than to wake up to a beautiful sunrise, the calm hush of the sea and whales that can be seen out a few miles from shore. But do take control of your finances, get your stuff you need to take organized, and do at least get a look at the job market in your destination and neighborhoods before moving.
Can you move to Hawaii without a job? How much does it cost to live in Hawaii per month?
At a monthly living cost of $2,800 for one person, you’ll need a job or some sort of passive income coming in to live there because Hawaii is an expensive state due to most of the things being imported from the mainland.
What is the minimum wage in Hawaii? Can you live cheaply in Hawaii?
The minimum wage in Hawaii is $14 per hour as of 2025 and will reach $16 in 2026 and $18 by 2028. It’s not a king’s ransom, but if you’re willing to live modestly, you can live cheaply in Hawaii.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Hawaii?
Hilo, Big Island, is among the few Hawaiian places with lower living expenses. As per Forbes,its 24% lower than Honolulu.
How do locals afford to live in Hawaii?
Hawaii locals tend to have second and third jobs, share housing with large family groups, or sublease parts of their houses to visitors.
Is it expensive to have a car in Hawaii?
Yes, with the gas price averaging $4.47 per gallon in Hawaii compared to the national average of $3.20 per gallon as of September 2025, cruising around the Aloha state comes at a hefty price.
Can I bring my car if I move to Hawaii?
Yes, you can ship all kinds of cars, boats, vans, golf carts, motorcycles and RVs to Hawaii. The cost will vary based on vehicle size/weight, total distance from the pickup location, and the shipper you hire.
Is it worth it to ship your car to Hawaii?
Yes if you have an expensive vehicle or a model that’s not easily found or have some sentimental values attached to the car.
Do you need a car if you live in Hawaii?
It depends on where you live. Oahu has a decent public transportation system, but a car is necessary on other islands.
Do you need a license to own a car in Hawaii?
Yes, and transferring your out-of-state license should be a breeze.
Parting Words:
You can move to Hawaii by hiring any professional movers. However, they will not be licensed to move your car and won’t have the adequate coverage either to protect your vehicle. This is where you need a professional auto transport company like Easy Auto Ship. If you’re still wondering how much to relocate to Hawaii with car then call (888) 687-3243 to get a free, no-obligation quote to ship your vehicle today.
