Category / Metric	Mililani Town CDP	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$124,123	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$884,800	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$null	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,038	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	143.7	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	106.9	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	41.5%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	29	40

Philadelphia vs. Mililani Town: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic, big-city powerhouse with a chip on its shoulder and cheesesteaks in its soul. On the other, you have Mililani Town CDP in Hawaii—a green, master-planned suburban oasis nestled between the mountains and the ocean, offering a slice of paradise.

This isn’t just a choice between two zip codes; it’s a choice between two entirely different lifestyles. Are you craving the energy and grit of a major metro, or the serene, community-focused vibe of a tropical suburb? Let’s dig into the data, the vibe, and the real-life trade-offs to help you decide.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Green

Philadelphia is a city with a complex personality. It’s a blue-collar town that’s evolved into a hub for biotech, education, and healthcare. Think: rowhouse-lined streets, bustling neighborhoods like Fishtown and Rittenhouse Square, and a food scene that goes from high-end to hole-in-the-wall. The energy is palpable—it’s a city that works hard and plays harder. It’s for the person who craves four distinct seasons, wants to walk to a world-class museum, and doesn’t mind a bit of urban edge.

Mililani Town CDP is the definition of a “planned community.” Located on the island of Oahu, it was designed in the 1960s with a focus on family, safety, and green space. The vibe here is: relaxed, active, and community-oriented. Life revolves around the outdoors—hiking, surfing, and beach days are part of the routine. There’s no "gritty" here; it’s clean, quiet, and feels a world away from the hustle of Honolulu. It’s for the person who prioritizes work-life balance, craves natural beauty, and wants a tight-knit, safe community for their family.

Verdict: Want a city that hums 24/7? Philadelphia. Want a peaceful, nature-filled sanctuary? Mililani.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. On the surface, Mililani’s median income is double Philadelphia’s, but that number hides a brutal truth: the cost of living in Hawaii is among the highest in the nation. Let’s break down the math.

Cost of Living Snapshot

Expense Category	Philadelphia	Mililani Town CDP	Winner (Bang for Your Buck)
Median Home Price	$270,375	$884,800	Philadelphia (by a landslide)
Rent (1-Bedroom)	$1,451	$2,038	Philadelphia
Housing Index	117.8	143.7	Philadelphia
Median Income	$60,302	$124,123	Mililani

Let’s talk Purchasing Power. If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, you are in the top tier of earners. Your money stretches significantly further, especially when it comes to housing. That median home price of $270,375 is actually below the national average, making homeownership a realistic goal for many professionals.

Now, imagine earning $100,000 in Mililani. You’re still a high earner, but you’re competing in a market where the median home price is nearly $900,000. Your $2,038 monthly rent for a 1-bedroom is over $500 more than Philly’s, and that’s before you factor in the astronomical cost of goods shipped to an island. Groceries, gas, utilities—it all carries a "paradise tax."

The Tax Twist: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%, and Philadelphia has a wage tax of approximately 3.75% for residents. Hawaii has a progressive state income tax that can go up to 11% for high earners. So, while Mililani residents earn more, they also send a larger chunk to the taxman.

Verdict: For sheer purchasing power and making your salary feel like more, Philadelphia is the clear winner. Mililani is a premium lifestyle that requires a premium budget.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Heat

Philadelphia:
The market here is competitive but accessible. With a Housing Index of 117.8, it’s above the national average but not outrageous. You can find a classic rowhouse in a decent neighborhood for under $300k. It’s a buyer’s market in many parts of the city, with more inventory than in hot markets like New York or Boston. Renting is a strong option for those not ready to commit, with plenty of apartments and home rentals available.

Mililani Town CDP:
This is a seller’s market with extreme barriers to entry. The Housing Index of 143.7 reflects the brutal reality. You’re not just buying a home; you’re buying into a highly desirable, safe, and stable community. Inventory is low, and competition is fierce. Renting is also expensive and limited, as most people are trying to buy into this slice of paradise. The median home price ($884,800) is a dealbreaker for most without significant capital or a dual high-income household.

Verdict: For buyers on a median income, Philadelphia offers a tangible path to homeownership. Mililani is a high-stakes market for the wealthy or those with deep ties to the island.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: As a major metro, traffic is real, especially on I-76 and I-95 during rush hour. However, the city is highly walkable, and its public transit system (SEPTA) is extensive and one of the best in the U.S. You can live car-free in many neighborhoods.
Mililani: Traffic is minimal compared to a big city. The commute to Honolulu (where many work) can be congested, but it’s a predictable, shorter drive. Life is more car-dependent, but you’re rarely stuck in gridlock for hours.

Weather

Philadelphia: 52°F is the average annual temperature, but that hides the extremes. You get all four seasons: beautiful autumns, snowy winters (with an average of 13 inches of snow), humid summers (can hit 90°F+), and pleasant springs. If you hate cold and snow, this is a dealbreaker.
Mililani: Welcome to paradise. The weather is consistently warm (70s-80s°F year-round) with gentle trade winds. Humidity is present but manageable. No snow, no freezing temps. The trade-off? The risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. For weather lovers, this is a no-brainer.

Crime & Safety

Philadelphia: The data is sobering. With a violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100,000, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Crime is highly neighborhood-dependent; some areas are incredibly safe, while others struggle. It requires street smarts and research.
Mililani Town CDP: This is one of the safest communities in the U.S. The violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100,000 is below the national average. It’s a place where kids play outside unsupervised, and community trust is high. This is arguably Mililani’s biggest selling point.

Verdict: For safety and weather, Mililani is the undeniable winner. For walkability and transit, Philadelphia takes the lead.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

This isn’t about which city is "better"—it’s about which city is better for you. Here’s the breakdown.

Winner for Families

Mililani Town CDP
The data is clear. With top-tier schools, one of the lowest violent crime rates in the dataset, and a community designed around family life (parks, sports leagues, safe streets), Mililani is a sanctuary for raising kids. The trade-off is the steep cost of living, but for families with the means, the safety and quality of life are unmatched.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

Philadelphia
Mililani’s serene, suburban vibe can feel isolating for a single person seeking social life and career growth. Philadelphia offers a dynamic job market (especially in healthcare, ed, and tech), a vibrant social scene, endless networking opportunities, and a cost of living that allows for disposable income to enjoy it all. You can build a career and a life without being house-poor.

Winner for Retirees

It’s a Tie (But for Different Reasons)

Retirees on a Fixed Budget: Philadelphia. Lower property taxes (relative to home value), excellent public transit (no need to drive), and a wealth of free cultural activities make it financially manageable.
Retirees Seeking an Active, Safe Paradise: Mililani. If you have a solid retirement nest egg, the weather, safety, and year-round outdoor activities are a dream retirement. However, the high cost of living and Hawaii’s healthcare access challenges (specialists often require a trip into Honolulu) are significant considerations.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Philadelphia: The Urban Powerhouse

Pros:

Massive purchasing power for your salary.
Vibrant culture and endless entertainment.
Excellent public transit and walkability.
World-class healthcare and education institutions.
Historic charm with diverse neighborhoods.

Cons:

High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
Harsh winters and humid summers.
Urban grit isn’t for everyone.
City wage tax bites into your paycheck.

Mililani Town CDP: The Suburban Sanctuary