It’s difficult to describe life on Oahu with a few written words. Living on Oahu, the Gather Place, is an experience of a lifetime and many choose to live out the rest of their years here. Life is quite different than on the mainland, though. The mainland is what Hawaiians call anywhere else in the United States (on the main land). If you’re thinking about living on Oahu, keep an open mind and look forward to the new way of life you’re about to embark on.
Living on Oahu, the Gather Place, as a renter will likely be more expensive than you’re accustomed to. The amount you can expect to pay for monthly rent will vary according to where on the island you’re going to live and what kind of housing you want to rent. You could pay $1,200 per month for a one bedroom or up around $3,000 per month for a three bedroom house. No matter where you decide to live on Oahu, you should know that there is enormous traffic in the busier areas. If you don’t want to fight the traffic there is an excellent public transportation system in place. Even if you live outside the metropolitan area, there are express buses that you’ll be able to use which work just fine.
Americans are having a hard time right now with the way the economy is. Therefore, it’s only natural that you’re probably wondering about how much everyday things cost in Hawaii. It can be difficult to find that kind of information if you don’t know someone here. Living on Oahu is probably a little more expensive than where you live now if you live on the mainland. It isn’t all as bad as you may have heard, though. For instance… a gallon of milk can cost you about $5 on Oahu, a loaf of whole wheat bread about $4, and a carton of 18 eggs about $3.50. Now compare that to eastern North Carolina, where a gallon of milk costs about $3, a loaf of whole wheat bread about $2 to $3, and a carton of 18 eggs about $2.50. There’s a bit of difference, yes. Is it an enormous difference? Not really. Gas prices seem to be within about fifty cents of one another.
If you’re going to be living on Oahu, it’s important to understand how much we respect life and other people. Learning the culture here is going to be one of the first things you want to do after you’re settled in. You can read all about it on websites and in books, but it’s nothing compared to the aloha spirit you’ll be greeted with when you arrive. Just treat others like you would like to be treated; that’s always a golden rule, but more than ever here in Oahu (or anywhere in Hawaii).