Cost of Living: Honolulu vs Las Vegas
- Jas Pascua
- Jun 5
- 6 min read
Many locals dream about relocating to the mainland, particularly to Las Vegas, but is Las Vegas really cheaper than Hawaii?
20 plus years ago, you could say Las Vegas was cheaper. I did a simple cost comparison of how it was when I first moved. This way, you can get an idea so you can plan accordingly and with confidence. Although this is my own personal experience, do not rely solely on any information given. Please seek advice from a professional and do your homework first before making the decision to relocate.
Housing
When I first moved in 2012, I rented a 4 bdrm., 2-story home with 2.5 baths, 2 living rooms, a den, and a 2-car garage with a large backyard in Silverado Ranch area and it was huge. Monthly rent was only $1,200.00, water and sewer was included. Everything else I had to pay for — electric, gas, cable, and internet — which would run me nearly $1,500.00 per month total. You might say, why a 4 bdrm. home for a single guy? The answer was because it was cheaper compared to Hawaii, and I was thinking about my children should they decide to move in with me.
Now in 2026, for that same house, you are looking at $2,500–$3,000 and up. That is still cheaper than Hawaii's rental market. That amount would cost you about the same for a one to two-bedroom apartment in Hawaii. You'll get a larger and spacious home for less money here in Las Vegas.
Utility Cost
Utilities are still considerably cheaper than Hawaii, with the exception of electricity and gas, because Las Vegas is seasonal. During the summer months, electricity can go up as high as $300 per month or more depending on air conditioner use and the efficiency of the system. A new A/C system can cost a home owner thousands dollars if it goes down. During the peak summer months it can be brutally hot and during the winter time it can get frigidly cold, and that's when you'll notice a substantial increase in your utility bill. Gasoline was about $2.25 per gallon in 2012. Now you could get by with $4.75 a gallon at Sams Club. Expect to pay about $.25 or more at a local gas station. Hawaii's gas cost is about $1.00 more than Las Vegas.
Entertainment, Dinning Out and Groceries
They dont call Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world for nothing, as a new resident the flashy lights, casinos, shows, and events can be very enticing and fun, at the same time Las Vegas lifestyle can also be a trap. I heard a lot of sad stories where people would loose everything, their homes, family, and end up moving back to Hawaii if they are able to. Remember, you are moving for growth and expansion not to go broke. Be a good steward of your hard earned money and you'll be fine.
Las Vegas has great tasting food that is endless, but it comes with a hefty price. If dining out is your thing, be prepared to pay just as much as dining out in Hawaii. Honestly, I think it's the same or more, especially if you are feeding a entire family. Buffets are no longer affordable; the average price per person for a buffet is $45–60 at a local casino. Imagine on the Strip where it can run you about $60–$100 and up per person. When I first moved here, AYCE sushi was $12–17. Now it's about $35–45 per person. Here's a tip... nowadays, we do Happy Hours. It's usually half the cost with a variety of food and drinks. Las Vegas has the best Happy Hours out there, you'll have a nice dinner without breaking the bank. You just have to find them.
The one thing that I enjoy the most about Las Vegas is the price of groceries and because I like to cook, I can get a dozen of eggs for under $3, a gallon of milk for $4 a case of water just under $4, a 5 lb. tray of chicken thighs for $8 and Steaks, well its another story. The price of meats can be expensive, a tray of 80/20 hamburger meat was about $12 when I first moved, but now its about $35 for the same tray it nearly doubled. Definitely that tray of Rib Eye Steaks can wait awhile, but other grocery items can be very reasonable.
Hidden Costs in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has a handful of hidden costs that will make you question yourself. Car registration can get up there, especially if it's a newer model car. Nevada vehicle registration is determined by the age and value rather than the vehicle's weight like Hawaii, as a side note Nevada has a smog test that has to be done first before registration. Smog test usually run about $30 and up. Las Vegas is also known for high car insurance premiums. This is primarily due to high accidents, severity of those accidents, underinsured drivers and theft. I paid $425 a month for 2 cars for at least 4 years until I shopped around and found a cheaper rate. Always shop around and do your research first. Insurance is mandatory or you wont be able to register your vehicle.
Security deposit and hidden fees. Renting a home usually requires application fees, first months rent, security deposits, cleaning deposit, pet deposit, and utilities deposit if your credit is not up to par. Be prepared to spend thousand just to get in to a rental unit or home . On the other hand if you purchase a home be aware of HOA Fees that can run from $50 to several hundred dollars a month. SID/LID Fees can catch home owners off guard also.
Why So Many Locals Gravitate to Las Vegas
I moved to Las Vegas because it felt close to Hawaii and cost of living was cheaper back then. I grew up as a local islander, and Las Vegas has made it easier for me to transition. For example, there were only a handful of island-style eateries back then. I remember going to the California Hotel and Casino to get my island food fix or Poke Express for my poke. Now, practically every block has an island-style restaurant or drive-in. Zippys opened their 5th restaurant here in Las Vegas, and they been in Las Vegas less than 4 years. If local food is part of your requirements, then Las Vegas definitely has it.
Its what you make of it
A bunch of friends had moved before me, which made it feel like home. We would gather and have little backyard BBQs, birthday parties, and dinners especially when friends and family were in town for vacation. I myself would host backyard parties for no reason. I do it to keep the Aloha Spirit alive and to instill it into the kids that rarely get to experience it the way we did growing up back home. Don't be afraid to crank up the Island music, cook and your favorite ono comfort food, and do Hawaii style meet ups.
Las Vegas has a strong Hawaiian community presence, from yearly Hawaiian festivals such as Pure Aloha, Island-style pop-ups and events, Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and more, Las Vegas can be an option if you still want that Island vibe and feeling. Although it's in the desert, it's what you make of it. You didn't leave Hawaii, you brought the Aloha spirit with you to share with others you meet.
There are certain things that you need to do first before relocating to Las Vegas or anywhere for that matter. First and foremost is to ask yourself will I be able to handle it financially?
Biggest Financial Mistakes | Practical Tips |
Moving without a job | Find a job before relocating |
No emergency savings | Build an emergency savings for 6–12 months |
Shipping too many things | Travel light, sell unwanted items |
Buying new | Shop FB Marketplace or other platforms for used items |
Using credit cards for survival | Build enough money to move so you don't go into debt |
Thinking the mainland is cheap | Always do your research first |
Sometimes delaying your move can be a good thing. I made my decision to move in the beginning of 2012 and moved to Las Vegas in December 2012. I waited nearly 10 months or so to prepare. Could I have planned things better? The answer is YES! I didn't have a checklist, didn't do my research, and didn't have a job or housing secured. The pressure, fear of starting over, missing home, and guilt kicked in as I got closer to the move date. I didn't have a guide to help me plan, and this is why I put together an E-Book to help those who are thinking or contemplating about relocating.
Don't wing it or move blindly thinking it will be a smooth transition, because it won't. the cost of relocating can cost a lot, but it doesn't have to if you do your research and plan accordingly.
Thinking about relocating and want a deeper plan? Get the 100 plus page guide that will help Locals prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially. >>>
Ready to explore life beyond Hawaii?
The Living Beyond Hawaii Relocating Workbook gives you the tools, checklists, worksheets, and resources you need to make a smart, informed move.
Stop guessing. Start planning.
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