City Comparison
Millsboro vs Milton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Milton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Millsboro
Milton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Millsboro is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Milton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Millsboro's average rent is
21% lower than Milton's.
| Metric | Millsboro | Milton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $2,100 | -21% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,615 | $3,050 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 102 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Milton offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Milton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Millsboro is estimated at
$52,000 vs $58,000 in Milton.
| Metric | Millsboro | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 66,667 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $80,875 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.2°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Millsboro sees 0.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Millsboro | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.70°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 82.20°F | 82.60°F |
| Winter Low | 27.70°F | 27.70°F |
| Rainfall | 54.50 in | 53.90 in |
| Snowfall | 20.10 in | 19.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | 246 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Millsboro scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Millsboro | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 42.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Millsboro is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Milton.
From a growth perspective, Millsboro 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 | Millsboro | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,262 | 3,567 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | 2.85% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 52.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.20% |
| 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.
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.
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
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
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