City Comparison
Milton vs Akron
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Milton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Milton
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Akron is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Milton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Milton's average rent is
87% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Milton | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,123 | +87% |
| Groceries | $400 | $742 | -46% |
| Utilities | $180 | $234 | -23% |
| Transport | $120 | $357 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $130 | +92% |
| Monthly Total | $3,050 | $2,586 | +18% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 7% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Milton is estimated at
$58,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Milton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $80,875 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Milton runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Milton comes out ahead with 246 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Milton sees 19.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Milton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 27.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 53.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 246 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akron has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Milton.
Milton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akron leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Milton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Milton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akron has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Milton | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,567 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.85% | — |
| Median Age | 52.6 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Milton
Advantages
Median household income stands strong at approximately $80,875, reflecting solid local economic stability per US Census data.
Crime rates in Milton are significantly lower than state and national averages, ensuring a safe community environment.
Proximity to Delaware's prime coastal beaches like Lewes and Rehoboth provides exceptional recreational opportunities.
The historic downtown district features preserved Victorian architecture, local boutiques, and the renowned Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
High homeownership rate of over 80% highlights a stable, invested community of residents per Census Bureau reports.
Drawbacks
Housing prices and rental rates have risen sharply due to high regional demand along the Delaware coast.
Public transportation options within the town are very limited, resulting in high car dependency.
The local median age is relatively high at 52.6 years, which may offer fewer dynamics for younger families or singles.
Limited large-scale industrial or corporate job diversification within town limits requires commuting for certain specialized careers.
Inflow of new housing developments places gradual pressure on local infrastructure and two-lane rural roads.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Milton
#82Delaware, USA
68.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,100
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.85%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
77
Business
70
Akron
#575Ohio, USA
46.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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