How Much Does It Cost to Move to Hawaii? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,500 - $12,000
Moving to Hawaii costs $5,000 on average, depending on the distance and what travels with you. Most spend between $1,500 and $12,000.
Glittering white sandy beaches, beautiful blue oceans, and lush palm trees make the thought of living in Hawaii a dream come true. The island life sounds like easy living, but how much does it cost to move to Hawaii? You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $12,000 to move to Hawaii. However, there are many cost factors that can determine how much you can expect to spend on your move.
- Average
- $5,000
- Low end
- $1,000
- high end
- $40,000
Cost Breakdown to Move to Hawaii
Although there are common moving expenses to consider, things are a bit different when you move from the mainland to an island. Here are the main costs to consider:
| Moving to Hawaii Cost Factors | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Shipping Household Items | $1,000–$7,000 |
| Renting a Moving Container | $1,400–$6,900 |
| Car Shipping | $1,000–$40,000 |
| Travel and Airfare | $100–$500 |
Shipping Household Items
The cost to ship your items can vary significantly. The more you ship, the more it will cost. The type of moving company and shipping method you choose will impact the price as well. For example, if you opt to ship your items using a pod, it can run between $2,300 to $7,000 or more. It depends on the size of the container, your location, the timeframe for moving, and the season.
You can also ship your items through various carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx. However, depending on the carrier, costs may be considered as "international," not "domestic" shipping, and that can raise prices. Shipping furniture can get expensive and range from $1,000 to $4,500 per item for international rates.
Renting a Moving Container
So, renting a moving container may be the most cost-efficient option if you decide to take a lot of items with you to Hawaii. Some popular container-moving companies are UPack, UHaul, and PODS, and you should compare prices across companies to get the best price possible.
In most cases, the moving company will ask you for details such as how many bedrooms worth of items you have to ship. The average cost for shipping a container for distances between 100 and 2,050 miles is $2,000 for a one-bedroom house to $5,000 or more for a five-bedroom house. The cost to ship a moving container internationally can vary greatly, depending on container size and weight and distance it’s shipping. The price of this service typically starts around $1,400 and can exceed $6,900.
Transporting Your Car
If you want to keep your vehicle, then you will have to pay to transport it over to Hawaii. The cost to ship a car is typically $0.60 per mile for moves over 1,000 miles. However, shipping a car overseas can cost $1,000 for short-range shipping to $40,000 for express air freight shipping. The vehicle size, shipping distance, and method impact the price significantly.
If you choose an enclosed carrier to reduce the risk of damage from bad weather, then it will be more expensive. The time of year can determine the cost, too. Since the price of gas has seasonal fluctuations, it can cause the cost to increase, which is why transporting your car in the winter will generally cost less than in the summer. Another expense is how you decide to have them deliver your car. If you pick it up at the port, it will cost less than it being delivered to your home.
Travel and Airfare Expenses
Airline ticket prices change frequently, so the expense depends on when you book your flight. The season, distance, time of day, and even oil prices affect how much your ticket will cost. However, a one-way ticket to Hawaii starts at $120 if you fly out of the Los Angeles airport, but flights can range up to $500 or more.
So, where you are flying from will also impact the cost. If you have to check luggage, that will add to your cost of moving to Hawaii. The amount depends on the airline, bag size, and how many additional bags you take. Typically it ranges from $30 for the first bag, $40 or more for the second, and can exceed $100 for the third bag. Remember to keep room in your budget for meals and hotel stays during your trip, too.
Additional Costs to Consider
Now that you know the basic costs, let's dive into other expenses you should consider before making the move.
Transporting Your Pets
So, how much does it cost to move to Hawaii with pets? There are quite a few factors that impact the price. It depends on the airline, your pet's weight and size, and the quarantine period. It can cost between $250 to over $1,000 per pet. Moving pets to Hawaii is quite complex, and you may be required to quarantine them for up to 120 days. Some animals are prohibited from being brought to Hawaii, so do your research before deciding if this is a good move for you and your animals.
Cost of Living Expenses
Before you start planning your move, you need to figure out if you can afford to live in Hawaii. The cost of living in Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.
Since everything needs to be shipped to the island, it causes a hike in living costs. In fact, the cost of living in Honolulu, Hawaii, is 84% higher than the national average, according to a study by Payscale. The best thing to do is sit down and calculate your basic living expenses to see if you can afford to live in Hawaii.
Packing Services
To ensure your items are packed and moved efficiently, you may want to hire professional movers to help. This will add to the cost of moving to Hawaii, but you will rest assured knowing your possessions will arrive safely.
Movers don’t pack your items because they charge more for this service. It can cost up to an additional $1,000 for packing services, but it depends on the size of your home and how many items they pack.
Hiring full-service movers costs a minimum of $2,300, but they take care of everything for you. So, you can free yourself from the burden of packing and moving your belongings yourself.
Cost to Move to Hawaii Yourself
Sure, you have to pay to ship your items, but packing things yourself can save you a bundle. Remember, packing services average around $1,000 but can be less for a smaller home with fewer possessions. The cost of moving supplies ranges depending on the type and amount you need, but it’s typically $75 to $400 or more.
You can make it less expensive by getting free boxes and shopping for packing supplies at discount stores. If you go the DIY route and take heavy furniture and appliances, you will likely need to buy or rent an appliance dolly to move them from your home to the moving container. Renting an appliance dolly can cost between $15 to $20 per day. However, they are worth the expense if you are moving heavy items because it makes the process easier and can prevent the risk of damaging your items and personal injuries.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Although packing for your overseas move yourself can save you money, there are many benefits to hiring professional movers near you to help. Hawaii is a long-distance move, so packing your things correctly can ensure they get there safely.
Plus, moving is stressful and comes with a multitude of tasks. They also provide moving supplies, so it is one less thing for you to worry about. Remember, the fewer items you have, the less it will cost to hire a pro.
4 Tips to Save Money on Your Move to Hawaii
Moving to Hawaii can be expensive, but there are ways you can cut costs to make it more affordable. Here are some simple ways to save on moving costs:
Downsize your items: The biggest expense is shipping your items. So, use this as an opportunity to downsize your home and start fresh with less clutter.
Compare shipping costs: Check different shipping methods and carriers to find the best price for shipping your items.
Sell your car: If you want to simplify and save money on your move, then selling your vehicle may be a good option. You could use free public transportation, bike, or walk until you decide to get another vehicle.
Move during the off-season: Airfare and travel are more expensive during peak season. Planning your move during the off-peak season can save you a bundle on travel expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are trying to reduce costs, then you should move to Hawaii during the off-season. Typically late spring and fall is when flights and other accommodations are most affordable. The weather is also milder, which makes unpacking more pleasant.
Although it's one of the most beautiful places to reside, there are some cons to consider. The cost of living is higher, and it's one of the most expensive states to live in.
If you have pets, you will have to put them through a quarantine program that can last up to four months. Plus, there is potential for natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and hurricanes.
The great news is affordable housing and apartment options are available if you opt to live on one of the less expensive islands. You can also reduce costs by downsizing to a smaller apartment or house. Of course, you can apply other money-saving methods such as shopping in bulk, using coupons, buying second-hand items, and growing some of your own produce.