City Comparison
Devonport vs Swartz Creek
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Swartz Creek scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Devonport
Swartz Creek
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Swartz Creek is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Devonport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Devonport's average rent is
44% higher than Swartz Creek's.
| Metric | Devonport | Swartz Creek | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,250 | +44% |
| Groceries | $450 | $380 | +18% |
| Utilities | $180 | $175 | +3% |
| Transport | $120 | $110 | +9% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $230 | +9% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,145 | +31% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Devonport offers 5% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Devonport delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Devonport is estimated at
$55,000 vs $48,000 in Swartz Creek.
| Metric | Devonport | Swartz Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $62,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $48,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 67,391 idx |
| Household Income | $56,700 | $64,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Devonport runs warmer on average — a 6.6°F difference year-round.
Winter severity differs too — Swartz Creek sees 33.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Devonport | Swartz Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.30°F | 48.70°F |
| Summer High | 55.60°F | 80.20°F |
| Winter Low | 54.00°F | 16.50°F |
| Rainfall | 34.10 in | 30.20 in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | 33.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 244 | 251 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Swartz Creek has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Devonport.
Devonport scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Devonport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Devonport | Swartz Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 38.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Devonport is the larger city
— approximately 4.7x the population of Swartz Creek.
From a growth perspective, Swartz Creek is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Swartz Creek has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Devonport | Swartz Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,994 | 5,700 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 41.2 |
| Unemployment | 5.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $3.5B | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Devonport
Advantages
Devonport was named Australia's Top Tourism Town in 2024, highlighting its appeal with stunning coastlines, diverse wildlife, and a vibrant arts scene.
The city is a vital transport hub, serving as the main terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania ferries and having its own airport with regular flights to Melbourne.
Devonport's economy is diversified and growing, with key sectors including retail, health care, manufacturing, and freight, and its port economy is expanding faster than the state GDP.
Housing in Devonport remains relatively affordable compared to many mainland Australian cities, despite recent price growth, making it an attractive option for buyers.
The city is undergoing significant urban renewal and infrastructure development, positioning it as a growing regional hub for commerce and tourism.
Drawbacks
Crime rates in Devonport are considered medium, with property crime being the most common offense type, and specific areas require caution.
The rental market is experiencing significant pressure with very low vacancy rates and increasing rents, making it challenging for renters.
While housing is relatively affordable, the median household income in Devonport is below the national average, which can impact overall affordability for some residents.
Some sources suggest a perception of unfriendliness among residents and a less vibrant nightlife compared to larger cities.
The housing market is dominated by older detached houses, with limited options for apartments, which may not suit all preferences.
Swartz Creek
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census Bureau data.
Consistently low crime rates provide an exceptionally safe environment for families and retirees.
Highly rated local school district offering robust academic and extracurricular programs.
Convenient geographic location with direct access to I-69, facilitating easy commutes to Flint and Lansing.
Active community parks and recreational programming that foster strong local engagement.
Drawbacks
High reliance on personal automobiles due to limited public transportation infrastructure.
Fewer high-paying local corporate headquarters within city limits, requiring outbound commuting for certain professional sectors.
Limited nightlife and entertainment venues directly within the city center.
Winters bring heavy snowfall averaging over 33 inches, requiring consistent snow removal efforts.
Modest pace of new commercial development compared to larger surrounding suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Devonport
#17Tasmania, Australia
56.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
244/yr
Avg Temp
55.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.09%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Swartz Creek
#146Michigan, USA
65.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
48.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
78
Business
68
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