City Comparison
Millsboro vs Middletown
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Millsboro scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Millsboro
Middletown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Millsboro is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Middletown.
| Metric | Millsboro | Middletown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,725 | -4% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $212 | -17% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,615 | $2,757 | -5% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 28% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Middletown delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Millsboro is estimated at
$52,000 vs $65,000 in Middletown.
| Metric | Millsboro | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 84,211 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $79,438 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Millsboro runs warmer on average — a 56.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Millsboro comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Millsboro sees 20.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Millsboro | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 27.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 54.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Middletown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Millsboro.
Millsboro scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Millsboro leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Millsboro | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 28.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Middletown is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Millsboro.
From a growth perspective, Millsboro is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Millsboro has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Millsboro | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,262 | 47,958 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Millsboro
Advantages
Delaware has no state sales tax, providing everyday savings on retail purchases and dining.
Convenient proximity to coastal resort beaches like Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach.
Lower median home prices compared to immediate coastal communities in Sussex County.
Active and expanding local commercial sector with new shopping centers and dining options.
Friendly, community-oriented small-town atmosphere with rich local history along the Indian River.
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public transportation options outside of major highways.
Increasing traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like Route 113 during peak summer tourist seasons.
Rapid development is straining local infrastructure and rural character.
Competitive housing market driven by high demand from retirees relocating to the area.
Sussex County's flat terrain and coastal proximity present occasional vulnerability to severe weather and localized flooding.
Middletown
Advantages
Middletown boasts a significantly lower violent crime rate (62.1 per 100,000 residents in 2024) compared to the national average, making it safer than 71% of cities.
The city's median household income of $79,438 in 2024 is robust, providing a solid economic foundation for residents.
Middletown offers a vibrant downtown with diverse dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, largely influenced by Wesleyan University.
Access to quality healthcare is excellent, with Middlesex Health being a highly-rated hospital serving the community.
The average commute time of 23.3 minutes is shorter than the national average, contributing to a better work-life balance.
Drawbacks
Property crime rates in Middletown are estimated to be 43% higher than the national average, with larceny/theft being a particular concern.
Middletown is largely car-dependent, with an average Walk Score of 28, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
The median home sale price increased by 13.1% year-over-year to $365,000 in June 2026, indicating a competitive and appreciating housing market.
While public transit exists, its coverage and frequency may not be sufficient for all residents, leading to reliance on personal cars.
The city's population growth rate of 0.7% in 2024, while positive, is modest compared to some faster-growing areas.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Millsboro
#116Delaware, USA
66.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
56.70°F
Pop. Growth
4.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
75
Business
70
Middletown
#405Connecticut, USA
58.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,725
Avg Salary
$80,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
28.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
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