City Comparison
Millsboro vs Smyrna
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Millsboro scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Millsboro
Smyrna
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Millsboro is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Smyrna.
| Metric | Millsboro | Smyrna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,750 | -6% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $175 | $190 | -8% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,615 | $2,630 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Millsboro offers 10% 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 $57,912 in Smyrna.
| Metric | Millsboro | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $52,722 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $57,912 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 53,255 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $67,048 |
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Millsboro has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 33 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Smyrna is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x 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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,262 | 13,936 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | 2.90% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 34.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.60% |
| 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.
Smyrna
Advantages
Smyrna is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, indicating strong development and opportunity.
The cost of living in Smyrna is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
The town boasts a quality school district, making it attractive for families.
Smyrna's strategic location provides convenient access to larger job markets in Dover and Wilmington.
The town offers a strong community-focused lifestyle with a walkable downtown and local events.
Drawbacks
Smyrna has a higher crime rate compared to both national and statewide averages, with a worsening crime trajectory.
The town exhibits high car dependency due to a Walk Score of 0.
The average commute time of 33.4 minutes is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options, while available, may have limited frequency and coverage.
Despite growth, the town itself has limited economic opportunities, requiring commutes for many jobs.
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
Smyrna
#533Delaware, USA
49.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$52,722
Cost Index
99
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
68
Business
72
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