California to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Hawaii

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic and congestion
• Wildfires and earthquakes
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• High taxes

ProsHawaii

• Unique island lifestyle
• Tranquil roads and scenery
• Mild and consistent weather
• Relaxed, aloha culture
• No statewide sales tax

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Hawaii

• Fewer restaurant options
• Limited entertainment venues
• Limited tech job market
• Higher isolation
• Reduced park diversity

California

• Diverse culinary scene
• Hollywood entertainment hub
• Thriving tech industry
• World-class cities
• Scenic national parks

Pros of moving from California to Hawaii

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the unique island lifestyle
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and congestion and moving to Hawaii with tranquil roads and scenery
• Swap the wildfires and earthquakes of California for mild and consistent weather in Hawaii
• Get ready for a relaxed, aloha culture in Hawaii

Cons of moving from California to Hawaii

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse culinary scene in California to live with fewer restaurant options in Hawaii
• You'll lose out on the pro of the Hollywood entertainment hub and have to settle for the con of limited entertainment venues
• Time to bid farewell to the thriving tech industry and get used to a limited tech job market in Hawaii
• Swap world-class cities for a higher isolation

California vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Hawaii, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Poke of Hawaii. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Tacos, Hawaii residents know they have tasty Kalua Pork and Spam Musubi to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Poke of Hawaii. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Hawaii, don't wait too long before making your way to Hawaii's acclaimed eateries like Leonard's Bakery, Helena's Hawaiian Food, and Matsumoto Shave Ice.

When comparing lifestyles, Hawaii shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Hawaii, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Hawaii.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Hawaii

• The Spanish Revival architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Plantation Style architecture typical of Hawaii.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and solar panels, Hawaii's real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and lanais.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Hawaii is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Hawaii is more bike-friendly than California.
• Hawaii has less of an urban feel than California.
• Hawaii's housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $858,106 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Hawaii have increased by 38% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Hawaii is 7.56% more expensive than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Hawaii

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Hawaii. Hawaii gets 2% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Hawaii has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tsunamis in Hawaii.
• The average summer high temperature in Hawaii is 3 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 17 degrees warmer than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Hawaii. Hawaii receives 41 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Hawaii

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Hawaii tend to earn about 1% more than those in California
• The COLI in Hawaii will be 21% higher than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in HI is 11% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Hawaii is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is higher in Hawaii compared to notable in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and prevalent in Hawaii

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Hawaii

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Hawaii, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• Hawaii's religious environment can be described as diverse, including Christianity and indigenous beliefs, with a notable Buddhist and Shinto presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant number of non-religious individuals

Education Guide When Moving from California to Hawaii