How can you say that when people do just fine at OGG and ITO? Maui certainly isn't any cheaper and I'd still rather be on Oahu making 150 than the big island making 90...
The outer islands are defiantly cheaper when it comes to housing, everything else is pretty much on par with all the islands.
So it was an exaggeration that it’s poverty level but I live paycheck to paycheck and well over half my income goes to housing and I can’t even afford to send my 3 year old to preschool. Now everyone’s financial situation is different, if you are single and have room mates you can live well, but if your a family that wants a house and a “yard” you need a second income to do it.