City Comparison
Milton vs Middletown
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Milton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Milton
Middletown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Middletown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
10% lower than in Milton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Milton's average rent is
22% higher than Middletown's.
| Metric | Milton | Middletown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,725 | +22% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $212 | -15% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,050 | $2,757 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 15% 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 Milton is estimated at
$58,000 vs $65,000 in Middletown.
| Metric | Milton | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 84,211 idx |
| Household Income | $80,875 | $79,438 |
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 | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Middletown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Milton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Milton | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 28.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Middletown is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Milton.
From a growth perspective, Milton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Milton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Milton | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,567 | 47,958 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.85% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 52.6 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.70% |
| 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.
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.
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
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Milton and Middletown.
Open Cost Calculator