We live in California now and are moving to Hawaii this coming summer, Big Island. People always say....but Hawaii is sooooooooo expensive! You are correct, we will be saving a bundle by moving there. No $600 a mnth electric bills, less property tax, etc.
I really don't know what to think of all these comments of relocating, good/bad states, etc. But I made my move out of Callyfornya as soon as I could, at 19 in 1979 to Northern AZ and it was a very wise move at the time. I saw the beginning of the Callyfornication of AZ, and maybe I was one of the first! There were alot of Eastern transplants too from PA, Michigan, Ohio but they were mostly temporary. When I left AZ for Hawaii, the Callyfornians were a steady stream and I was ready to "get the heck outta dodge!" NOW... the Callyfornians have made Hawaii their newfoundland and it is taking a toll on this island of Hawaii (Big Island). I have been here since 1992, now the traffic is awful, rural areas are being built up, house and lot prices have gone sky high. I bought my house 5 years ago(3BD/2BA/1 acre)for 115K,re-appraised 2 years ago at 260k. I hear alot of complaints from not just the "locals" but long-timers about the "demanding, pushy, know-it-all" mainlanders that have relocated here who have no aloha or the concept of aloha. I myself have been "road-raged" by a few "mainland license" plates for letting cars in front of me or letting them make a turn. So, just remember if any of you relocate here or come to visit, the aloha you see does not mean you can take advantage or that the people are "slow". They are well meaning and thoughtful, who respect others and want to be respected in return. My next move may be Guam or Saipan, aloha kakou.
Our goal is to retire on the Big Island. The "paid for" move to Oahu was hopefully a strageic step. Good luck, I think you will do well................