Mililani Town CDP vs Houston

Category / Metric	Mililani Town CDP	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$124,123	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$884,800	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,038	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	143.7	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	106.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	41.5%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	29	44

Houston vs. Mililani Town CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between a place to live can feel like a high-stakes poker game. You’re betting your lifestyle, your wallet, and your future on a single decision. Today, we’re putting two wildly different contenders in the ring: the sprawling, fast-paced metropolis of Houston, Texas, and the serene, master-planned community of Mililani Town, Hawaii.

This isn’t just a comparison of zip codes; it’s a clash of cultures, climates, and cost structures. One is a landlocked giant built on energy and sprawl, the other a slice of island paradise nestled between mountains and ocean. Let’s break it down, dollar by dollar, degree by degree, to help you find your perfect match.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Paradise

Houston is a city that never stops moving. It’s a concrete jungle of relentless growth, fueled by a booming energy sector, a world-class medical center, and a fiercely independent culture. The vibe is ambitious, diverse, and unapologetically big. Think world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from BBQ to Viet-Cajun), and sprawling neighborhoods that each feel like their own small town. It’s for the hustler, the innovator, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a major metropolis. If you want to get lost in the crowd and find endless opportunity, Houston is your playground.

Mililani Town, on the other hand, is the definition of "slow down." It’s a census-designated place (CDP) on the island of Oahu, designed as a peaceful, family-focused community. It’s not a tourist hotspot; it’s a place where locals live. The vibe is "aloha" in its purest form—tight-knit, safe, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of Hawaii. Life revolves around family, community events, and outdoor activities like hiking or beach days. It’s for those who prioritize a serene, stable environment over nightlife and skyscrapers. If you’re looking for a sanctuary from the chaos of city life, Mililani is your haven.

Verdict: If you crave energy and anonymity, Houston. If you value peace and community, Mililani Town.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Heavier?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s look at the raw numbers.

Purchase Power & Tax Reality:
Houston is a financial powerhouse for one simple reason: Texas has zero state income tax. On a $100,000 salary, you keep an extra $6,000-$7,000 in your pocket compared to someone in a high-tax state like Hawaii (which has a top income tax rate of 11%). That’s a massive head start. Mililani’s median income of $124,123 is impressive, but it’s immediately eroded by the high cost of living and taxes. In Houston, a six-figure salary stretches far further than almost anywhere else in a major U.S. metro.

The Cost of Living Breakdown:

Category	Houston, TX	Mililani Town, HI	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$884,800	Houston is 2.6x more affordable. Sticker shock is real in Mililani.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$2,038	Houston wins again. You could rent a 2BR in Houston for the price of a 1BR in Mililani.
Housing Index	106.5	143.7	Mililani is 35% above the national average for housing costs. Houston is slightly above but manageable.
Utilities	~$150/mo	~$400/mo	Island living has a premium. Electricity in Hawaii is notoriously expensive.
Groceries	~10% below nat'l avg	~50% above nat'l avg	Shipping everything to an island isn't cheap. Your grocery bill will hurt in Mililani.

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
If you earn $100,000:

• In Houston: You are in the top ~30% of earners. Your effective tax rate is low. You can comfortably afford a $2,000/month mortgage on a nice home, a newer car, and still have plenty left for dining out and entertainment. Your money has strong purchasing power.
• In Mililani: You are near the median income. After Hawaii's state taxes, your take-home pay is significantly less. That $884,800 median home price translates to a mortgage that would dominate your budget. Your $100k feels more like $70k in real purchasing power. You’d likely be renting or looking at a much smaller condo.

Verdict: For pure financial muscle and purchasing power, Houston is the undisputed champion. Mililani requires a much higher income to achieve a similar standard of living.

The Housing Market: To Buy or to Rent?

Houston:
It’s a massive, dynamic market. You have options—lots of them. From downtown high-rises to sprawling suburban homes with yards. The median price of $335,000 is attainable for many, especially with two incomes. It’s generally a balanced market, though desirable neighborhoods can be competitive. The key here is choice. You can find something that fits your budget and lifestyle without sacrificing too much.

Mililani Town:
This is a seller’s market, period. With a median home price of $884,800 and limited inventory (it’s a small community), competition is fierce. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into a coveted, stable community. Expect bidding wars and high down payments. Renting is also expensive and competitive. The housing index of 143.7 reflects this scarcity. It’s a market for those with significant capital or those willing to stretch their budget to the limit for the island lifestyle.

Verdict: Houston offers accessibility and choice. Mililani offers prestige and scarcity at a steep price.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and public transit is limited. The average commute is 30+ minutes, and traffic can be brutal. You will spend time in your car. If you hate traffic, this is a major dealbreaker.
• Mililani Town: Commutes are generally short. You’re on an island, and the community is self-contained. Most jobs are nearby in Honolulu or the surrounding area, but the commute over the H-2 freeway can be congested. Overall, far less stressful than Houston’s sprawl.

Weather

• Houston: Hot and humid. Summers are long, with temperatures regularly hitting 95°F+ and oppressive humidity. Winters are mild and short. It’s a "sweat season" for a large part of the year. Hurricane season is a real threat.
• Mililani Town: Near-perfect. Hawaii has a tropical climate with average highs in the mid-80s year-round. No snow, no scorching heat. The trade-off is humidity and occasional rain showers. For weather purists, Hawaii wins hands-down.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast.

• Houston: Violent Crime Rate: 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. Like any major city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. You must be savvy and choose your area carefully.
• Mililani Town: Violent Crime Rate: 234.0 per 100,000. This is remarkably low, well below the national average. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest communities in Hawaii. For families and those prioritizing peace of mind, this is a massive advantage.

Verdict: For safety and weather, Mililani Town is the clear winner. For commute tolerance, it’s a toss-up, but Mililani is less stressful.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Mililani Town CDP
The numbers don’t lie: phenomenal schools, sky-high safety ratings, and a community built around family life. The steep cost of living is the only hurdle, but if your income can support it, the quality of life for raising kids is unparalleled. The weather is a bonus.

💼 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston
If you’re building a career, networking, or just want a vibrant social scene without breaking the bank, Houston is your launchpad. The zero income tax, lower cost of living, and endless professional opportunities (energy, healthcare, tech) make it the smarter financial move for ambitious young professionals.

🌴 Winner for Retirees: Mililani Town
For retirees with a solid nest egg, Mililani offers the "dream": safe, beautiful, and a relaxed pace of life. The low crime and perfect weather are huge draws. However, the high cost of living means you need significant savings or a pension that can keep up. For retirees on a fixed budget, Houston’s affordability might be a better fit.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Houston, TX

• PROS:
  • Zero State Income Tax – A massive financial advantage.
  • Affordable Housing – Median home price of $335,000 is accessible.
  • Economic Powerhouse – Endless job opportunities in diverse sectors.
  • Cultural & Culinary Diversity – One of the best food cities in America.
  • No State Income Tax
• CONS:
  • High Violent Crime Rate – 912.4/100k requires careful neighborhood selection.
  • Brutal Traffic & Commutes – Car-dependent and congested.
  • Oppressive Summer Heat – Long, humid, and often over 95°F.
  • Sprawl – Requires a car for almost everything.

Mililani Town CDP, HI

• PROS:
  • Extremely Low Crime – 234.0/100k is incredibly safe.
  • Perfect Weather – Year-round tropical climate with no extremes.
  • Family-Friendly & Community-Oriented – Top-rated schools and a tight-knit feel.
  • Natural Beauty – Unparalleled access to beaches, hiking, and mountains.
• CONS:
  • Extremely High Cost of Living – $884,800 median home price, high groceries and utilities.
  • High State Income Tax – Up to 11% on top earners.
  • Isolation – Far from mainland U.S., expensive travel.
  • Limited Inventory – Competitive housing market with few options.

The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if your priorities are financial growth, career opportunity, and urban energy. Choose Mililani Town if your priorities are safety, community, and a serene, natural environment—and you have the budget to support it.