City Comparison
Millsboro vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Millsboro scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Millsboro
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Millsboro.
| Metric | Millsboro | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,546 | +7% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,615 | $2,593 | +1% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 1% lower 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 $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Millsboro | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $47,819 |
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 | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Millsboro.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Millsboro | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
.
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 | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,262 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 5.10% |
| 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.
Syracuse
Advantages
Syracuse offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in New York State.
The city has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, with significant projects like Micron's semiconductor facility boosting employment opportunities.
Syracuse is home to strong educational institutions, including Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, contributing to a vibrant and educated community.
The city boasts a good safety profile, with a violent crime rate significantly below the national average.
Residents benefit from manageable commute times, averaging around 18 minutes.
Drawbacks
Syracuse experiences severe and snowy winters, with heavy annual snowfall.
The city has a higher cost of living than the national average, particularly concerning housing expenses.
Public transportation can be unreliable, contributing to a medium car dependency for residents.
Some areas of the city face challenges with crime and poverty.
Utility costs, especially for heating, can be high due to long, cold winters.
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
Syracuse
#361New York, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
57.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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