{"id":20830,"date":"2025-02-15T09:16:22","date_gmt":"2025-02-15T19:16:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.livinginhawaii.com\/?p=20830"},"modified":"2025-02-17T09:57:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T19:57:00","slug":"finding-a-roommate-in-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.livinginhawaii.com\/front-page\/finding-a-roommate-in-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding a Roommate in Hawaii: A Smart Way to Save on Housing (and Maybe Make a Friend)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Because Paradise is Better When You Can Afford It<\/em><\/h2>\n

So, you\u2019re thinking about moving to Hawaii (or maybe you already live here), but the cost of housing has you feeling a little… overwhelmed? Yeah, totally understandable. You aren’t wrong<\/em>. Hawaii is expensive<\/em>\u2014we\u2019re talking $1,800\u2013$2,500 for a one-bedroom in Honolulu<\/strong>. That\u2019s before utilities, parking, and all those little things that add up.  Add to that the high cost of just about everything, and it’s stressful.<\/p>\n

Before you panic and start calculating how many coconuts you can live off of, let\u2019s talk about a solid alternative: finding a roommate.<\/strong> It\u2019s not just about cutting costs\u2014it\u2019s also a great way to meet people, build a community, and make living in Hawaii a little more doable (without completely draining your bank account).  Don’t take this lightly.  Do your upfront investigations, your due diligence, and you’ll probably make friends you’ll have for a long time.  Or, just rush into it and take whatever comes you way, yeah, the opposite.  Read on…<\/p>\n

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Take The Quiz: Is Hawaii Right For You?<\/span><\/a><\/div>

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Why Roommates Make Sense in Hawaii<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most people I know who move to Hawaii either don\u2019t want to commit to a long lease<\/strong>, or they just can\u2019t swing the cost of rent solo<\/strong>. And honestly? That\u2019s fair.  I wouldn’t recommend just moving here without trying or at least visiting  few communities.<\/p>\n

Roommates help in a few big ways: \u2714 Lower rent:<\/strong> Splitting a 2-bedroom at $3,000? That\u2019s suddenly $1,500 each instead of $2,500 on your own.  Not to mention, you’re using the same space you would have used anyway.  
\u2714 Shared bills:<\/strong> Internet, electricity (which is NOT cheap here), and water? All cut in half (or thirds).
\u2714 Flexibility:<\/strong> Many shared rentals are more month-to-month, which is perfect if you\u2019re testing the waters before committing to island life.
\u2714 Community:<\/strong> Hawaii is amazing, but it can also be lonely if you\u2019re new. A good roommate can help you find your people.<\/p>\n

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Where to Actually Find a Roommate<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Alright, so you\u2019re sold on the idea. But where do you even start looking for a solid, non-creepy, semi-normal person to share a home with? Here\u2019s where I\u2019ve seen the most success:<\/p>\n

Online Roommate Listings<\/strong><\/h4>\n