Relocation Guide
Moving to Hawaii
Everything you need to buy FSBO and relocate to Hawaii without paying a buyer's agent commission.
$850,000
Median Home Price
193
Cost of Living Index
Very High
vs. National Average
Yes
State Income Tax
Cost of Relocating to Hawaii
The median home price in Hawaii is $850,000. That's well above the roughly $330,300 median across the states in this guide. Its cost of living index is 193 — very high. Hawaii does levy a state income tax, so it's worth running your actual take-home pay before comparing offers against a no-tax state.
Climate
Tropical — warm year-round, trade winds, rainy windward sides
Why People Move to Hawaii
Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the U.S. but offers unparalleled natural beauty and climate.
Popular Cities
- Honolulu
- Kailua
- Hilo
FSBO Tips for Hawaii
- Search owner-listed homes on Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace — many FSBO sellers skip the MLS entirely.
- Hire a real estate attorney or title company in Hawaii to handle the purchase contract and closing documents.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage before making offers. Sellers prefer buyers who can close quickly.
- Request a home inspection even when buying directly from an owner — it is your main protection against undisclosed defects.
Buying Long-Distance
Relocating means you're often making an offer, and sometimes closing, before you've set foot in the state. A local title company or closing attorney can handle a remote or mail-away closing — documents get notarized wherever you are and shipped back, so you don't need to fly in for signing day. If timing is tight, a power of attorney lets someone local sign on your behalf for the final closing. Whatever you do, don't waive the inspection to compete on speed just because you're buying from out of state — that's exactly when an in-person, unbiased set of eyes on the property matters most.