City Comparison
Mililani Town vs Kapolei
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kapolei scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Mililani Town
Kapolei
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mililani Town is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
31% lower than in Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mililani Town's average rent is
30% lower than Kapolei's.
| Metric | Mililani Town | Kapolei | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,400 | $3,420 | -30% |
| Groceries | $550 | $459 | +20% |
| Utilities | $220 | $396 | -44% |
| Transport | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $759 | -63% |
| Monthly Total | $3,600 | $5,234 | -31% |
| Cost Index | 175 | 151 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mililani Town offers 68% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mililani Town delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mililani Town is estimated at
$72,000 vs $85,000 in Kapolei.
| Metric | Mililani Town | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $46,510 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,571 idx | 30,801 idx |
| Household Income | $105,000 | $128,324 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Mililani Town runs warmer on average — a 74.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Mililani Town comes out ahead with 246 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Mililani Town sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Mililani Town | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 74.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 63.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 24.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 246 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Mililani Town scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mililani Town leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mililani Town | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 65.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mililani Town is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Kapolei.
From a growth perspective, Kapolei is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kapolei has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Mililani Town | Kapolei |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,500 | 24,844 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 2.49% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 35.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 2.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mililani Town
Advantages
Master-planned community design featuring numerous parks, recreation centers, and community pools.
Consistently lower crime rates compared to major urban centers on Oahu.
Convenient central location with direct access to the H-2 Freeway for commuting.
Strong local public and private school options serving families.
Active community associations that maintain high neighborhood aesthetic and safety standards.
Drawbacks
Significantly higher cost of living and housing expenses compared to the U.S. mainland average.
Heavy traffic congestion on the H-2 Freeway during peak morning and afternoon commute hours.
Mandatory association fees and strict neighborhood bylaws governing property appearance.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within the town limits.
High reliance on personal vehicles due to moderate public transit walkability.
Kapolei
Advantages
Kapolei is experiencing rapid development and expanding infrastructure, offering urban amenities without the intense hustle of Honolulu.
The city provides a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and community centers.
Residents have abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including access to pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Kapolei offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
The overall crime rate in Kapolei is 26% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Kapolei is 51% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, particularly during commute hours, impacting travel times.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is largely car-dependent.
Healthcare access can be a challenge, despite good quality, with Hawaii ranking 39th nationally for access in 2025.
Utility costs, including electricity and internet, are among the highest in the nation due to Hawaii's reliance on imported fuel.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Mililani Town
#490Hawaii, USA
53.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,400
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
175
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
74.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
81
Business
68
Kapolei
#433Hawaii, USA
56.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,420
Avg Salary
$46,510
Cost Index
151
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.49%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
68
Business
70
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