City Comparison
Milton vs Smyrna
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Milton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Milton
Smyrna
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Smyrna is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Milton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Milton's average rent is
20% higher than Smyrna's.
| Metric | Milton | Smyrna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,750 | +20% |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 | -5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 | -5% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $3,050 | $2,630 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Milton offers 29% higher 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 Milton is estimated at
$58,000 vs $57,912 in Smyrna.
| Metric | Milton | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $52,722 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $57,912 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 53,255 idx |
| Household Income | $80,875 | $67,048 |
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Milton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
For walkability, Milton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Milton | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 33 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Smyrna is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Milton.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna 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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,567 | 13,936 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.85% | 2.90% |
| Median Age | 52.6 | 34.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.60% |
| 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.
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.
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
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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