Quick Answer: The cost of living in Mililani, Hawaii is approximately 30-40% higher than the national average, largely driven by housing and grocery costs. The median home price in Mililani Town reached $1,085,000 in 2025, while Mililani Mauka townhomes sit around $600,000. Monthly expenses for a family of four average $6,500-$8,500 depending on housing costs. Despite the higher price tag, Mililani offers exceptional schools, low crime rates, and a quality of life that many families find worth the investment.

If you are considering a move to Mililani, one of the first questions you probably have is: how much does it actually cost to live here? Hawaii is known for being expensive, but Mililani offers a middle ground between Honolulu's sky-high prices and the more rural parts of the island. As agents with the Kristy & Austin Home Group, we walk clients through these numbers every day. Here is a real breakdown of what life costs in Mililani heading into 2026.

Housing Costs in Mililani 2026

Housing is by far the biggest expense in Mililani and the biggest factor in your overall cost of living. Here is what the numbers look like heading into 2026:

Mililani Town single-family homes have a median price of $1,085,000, up 1% year-over-year (source: HiCentral MLS via LocationsHawaii.com). A typical mortgage payment on this median price with 20% down at a 6.5% interest rate runs approximately $5,500 per month including property tax and insurance.

Mililani Mauka condos and townhomes have a median price of $600,000 (source: Redfin), making monthly payments closer to $3,200 with 20% down. Condo options in Mililani Town near the Town Center have a median around $515,000.

Rentals in Mililani range from $2,200-$2,800 per month for a 2-bedroom and $2,800-$3,500 for a 3-bedroom single-family home. Compared to Honolulu where similar homes rent for $3,000-$4,500, Mililani offers genuine savings for renters.

Property taxes in Hawaii are among the lowest in the nation. For owner-occupied residences, the effective tax rate is roughly 0.35% of assessed value. On a $1 million home, that comes out to approximately $3,500 per year.

Groceries and Food Costs

Groceries in Hawaii cost about 50-60% more than the national average. Most food is shipped to the islands, which adds to the price. A gallon of milk runs $6-$8, a dozen eggs cost $5-$7, and a loaf of bread is $5-$6.

Mililani residents primarily shop at Foodland at Mililani Town Center, Safeway, or the Costco in nearby Waipio. Many families save significantly by shopping at Costco for bulk items and supplementing with local produce from farmers markets.

Dining out in Mililani is more affordable than Honolulu. Plate lunch spots like Zippy's and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offer meals for $10-$15, while sit-down restaurants average $15-$30 per person. A family of four can expect to spend $1,200-$1,800 per month on groceries and occasional dining out.

Utilities and Monthly Bills

Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation at roughly $0.35-$0.40 per kilowatt-hour, nearly triple the national average. For a typical 3-bedroom home in Mililani, expect monthly electric bills of $250-$400. Many homeowners offset this with rooftop solar panels, which can reduce bills by 50-80%.

Water bills average $60-$80 per month. Internet service through Hawaiian Telcom or Spectrum runs $60-$100 per month. Cell phone plans are comparable to mainland pricing. One benefit of living in Mililani: you rarely need air conditioning thanks to the trade winds and cooler Central Oahu temperatures, which saves significantly on electricity compared to leeward communities.

Total monthly utilities for a typical Mililani household run $400-$650 without solar and $200-$400 with solar panels installed.

Transportation Costs

Gas prices in Hawaii average $4.50-$5.50 per gallon, about $1-$2 more than the national average. Most Mililani residents need a car since public transit options are limited in Central Oahu. TheBus routes serve Mililani but commute times to Honolulu via bus can exceed 90 minutes.

Car insurance in Hawaii averages $1,200-$1,800 per year. Vehicle registration fees are reasonable, and Hawaii does not have vehicle inspection stickers. Monthly transportation costs for a two-car household in Mililani typically run $500-$800 including gas, insurance, and maintenance.

The good news for military families: if you are stationed at Schofield Barracks or Wheeler Army Airfield, your commute from Mililani is just 10-15 minutes, significantly reducing transportation costs compared to living in Honolulu.

Is Mililani Worth the Cost?

After looking at all these numbers, the big question remains: is Mililani worth it? For most families we work with, the answer is a resounding yes. Here is why:

Mililani consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Hawaii. The schools are among the best in the state. The master-planned layout means you have parks, rec centers, bike paths, and shopping within minutes of your home. And while the sticker price is high compared to the mainland, it is actually quite competitive within the Oahu market.

Compared to Honolulu neighborhoods with similar school quality and safety ratings, Mililani offers 15-25% lower home prices. You are getting more house for your money, a stronger community feel, and a lifestyle that mainland transplants consistently describe as worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a family of four need to earn to live comfortably in Mililani? Based on current costs, a household income of $120,000-$150,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle in Mililani, assuming you own a home with a mortgage or are in military housing.

Is Mililani cheaper than Honolulu? Yes. Housing, dining, and daily expenses are generally 15-25% lower in Mililani compared to urban Honolulu neighborhoods with similar amenities and school quality.

What is the biggest expense in Mililani? Housing is by far the largest expense, typically accounting for 40-50% of a household budget. Groceries are the second largest cost driver.

Are there ways to reduce the cost of living in Mililani? Solar panels can cut electricity bills by 50-80%. Shopping at Costco for bulk items, using Mililani's free recreation centers instead of gym memberships, and taking advantage of military discounts if applicable can all reduce monthly expenses.

Ready to explore homes in Mililani? Contact Kristy & Austin at (808) 829-6819 or visit kahomegroup.com to see current listings and get a personalized cost breakdown for your budget.