City Comparison
Millsboro vs Newark
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Millsboro scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Millsboro
Newark
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Millsboro is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
10% lower than in Newark.
| Metric | Millsboro | Newark | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,649 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $409 | +3% |
| Utilities | $175 | $371 | -53% |
| Transport | $130 | $351 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $139 | +73% |
| Monthly Total | $2,615 | $2,919 | -10% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 106 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Millsboro offers 14% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Millsboro delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Millsboro is estimated at
$52,000 vs $51,960 in Newark.
| Metric | Millsboro | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $51,024 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $51,960 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 48,136 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $76,912 |
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 | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Newark has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Millsboro.
Newark scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Newark leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Millsboro | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Newark is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Millsboro.
From a growth perspective, Millsboro is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Newark has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Millsboro | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,262 | 30,311 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | — |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 22.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.60% |
| 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.
Newark
Advantages
Home to Christiana Hospital, Delaware's only Level I trauma center, ensuring high-quality healthcare access.
The University of Delaware provides extensive educational opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Median household income of $76,912 in 2024 is competitive.
Relatively affordable compared to nearby major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York.
Average commute time is relatively short at 19 minutes.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.16% in 2026.
Newark has a high poverty rate of 27.73%.
Housing costs are 10.5% higher than the national average.
The median age of 22.1 years suggests a transient student population, potentially impacting long-term community stability.
Utilities and groceries are slightly more expensive than the national average.
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
Newark
#162Delaware, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,649
Avg Salary
$51,024
Cost Index
106
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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