Some people like to consider Guam similiar to Hawaii but it's not even close - this is coming from someone who has lived on Guam and visited Hawaii over eight times. Family of four estimated monthly costs: $4,913. It won’t take long to realize that no one will care if you attend mass even if everyone else goes each week. First time poster in this subreddit. They already provide a decent estimate but they are not currently bullet-proof. It’s also crawling with 3,831 military personnel, making up a good chunk of the island’s population of … 8. Even then, the days tend to be fairly sunny throughout most of the year. Being the pioneers in creating Guam’s first senior living community, showcasing a bar none unprecedented quality of care and service product in a luxury like environment. You can also access 4G LTE services across most of the island these days, with your reliability and pricing similar for every carrier. Your pets may need to go through a complete commercial quarantine. Guam has a small population of about 200,000 residents, but it’s home to one of the highest concentrations of military veterans among U.S. states and territories. You will be living a long way from the United States. The only exception to this disadvantage is if you are moving from a location that Guam certifies as being free of rabies. If you love the idea of living in a tropical climate, being close to Asian culture, and still enjoy some of the perks of being in the United States, then Guam is the perfect place to consider. You will need to watch your skin health in Guam. © 2009-2021 Expatistan.com. The wet season starts in July and then runs through December. Well, as I currently reside here I have only know a little bit different about Guam from what I heard about Hawaii. Although the traffic is nowhere near what it would be in a western city like San Francisco to Seattle, it can still be an unpleasant experience. When Typhoon Omar hit, there were sustained winds of 154 mph in areas that were beneath the western eyewall of the storm. Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district, Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar), 500 gr (1 lb.) You’ll want to be aware of the drinking culture and some micro-aggression that sometimes occurs against some military families. 5. There are 34-degree programs for undergraduates and 11 graduate-level options to pursue. You’ll want to ensure that your property insurance covers storm damage, whether you decide to rent or buy when moving here. You can’t crash one of these parties either because all the guests are invited. The island gets hit by them frequently, although the average tends to be having one hit above every eight years. The Navy Housing Office is located at Building 3191 on Naval Base Guam. 3. There are generally no concerns about social oppression on Guam.. You will find that the population on Guam tends to... 3. If you don’t mind the isolation that you’ll experience when living in Guam, then you will find that it tends to be quiet, relaxed, and pleasant. Before moving to Guam be sure to learn as much as you can. Part of the reason for this policy is the historical significance that this location played during World War II. Are you PCSing to Guam? 6. There’s even a Little Caesars pizza there. These estimates are based on data that may have some inconsistencies at the moment. During the dry season, the winds typically intensify. Service members have the option of living in government housing or out in the community. The pros and cons of living in Guam are essential to review because of the challenges that isolation brings. Search GU real estate at realtor.com®. Single person estimated monthly costs: $2,579. I just moved back to Guam less than a year ago after living in San Diego for over a decade. They already provide a reliable comparison but they are not bullet-proof. It tends to stay in the high 80s°F, but there are days when the high humidity levels can make it feel like a sticky blanket that makes you instantly sweat. Guam is geographically south of Japan, east of the Philippines, and north of Indonesia. Most homes have concrete bunkers that will help you to withstand the winds of a storm. If you are considering relocating to the islands, it is recommended that you have a job in place and consider sharing the cost of living with a roommate to make the experience more affordable. It is a place where money speaks, connections matter, and being in the military will give you some advantages. The cost of living on Guam is estimated to be about 50 percent higher than on the mainland, due to the greater difficulty in getting supplies onto the islands. On-site military housing is an option for families of military personnel. They are based on 52 prices entered by 7 different people. Expatistan is a collaborative effort. Several world-class doctors live and work on the island, so there is always access to care. If someone does get sick from one of these issues, it is usually because they caught it well off of the island. There is no rabies here, no malaria, and the usual tropical diseases are gone as well. Unless you are moving there because of your orders, it is a good idea to secure employment before your move. That means the architecture you can see isn’t always beautiful, but it is definitely effective. 7. The island is home to the busiest store in the entire chain, and there is an entire expanse of ocean that keeps the competition away. Expats are advised to have a job secured and to carefully consider the cost of relocating, finding accommodation and living in Guam. The military has a separate school for military dependents because the local system is so bad. During this time, you can discover which grocery stores and markets you prefer, where to do laundry, and how to best navigate the island while running other errands. Accommodation in Guam typically includes condo apartments, townhouses, houses and several new gated complexes. Homeschooling is an option to think about as well. The island uses the same 1040 forms as everyone else. There are currently four high schools, seven middle schools, and about two dozen elementary schools. That means moving here will make you a disenfranchised citizen. Taxation laws on Guam are generally positive for the average household. That structure can be beneficial to retirees looking for a way to maximize their retirement income. No one is going to look twice at you if you wander around in your swimsuit, a pair of shorts, or a simple cover-up unless they either find you attractive or funny-looking for some reason. One of the issues is the cultural perspective where people should stand up for themselves and what they believe in any situation. A strong social life is critical to settling in happily to a new locale. It is the largest and the most southern of the Mariana Islands. Some years we have a wet dry season or a dry wet season, making the distinction even less obvious.