City Comparison
Newark vs Middletown
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Newark scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Newark
Middletown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Middletown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Newark.
| Metric | Newark | Middletown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,649 | $1,725 | -4% |
| Groceries | $409 | $450 | -9% |
| Utilities | $371 | $212 | +75% |
| Transport | $351 | $120 | +193% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $250 | -44% |
| Monthly Total | $2,919 | $2,757 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 106 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 36% 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 Newark is estimated at
$51,960 vs $65,000 in Middletown.
| Metric | Newark | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,024 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $51,960 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 48,136 idx | 84,211 idx |
| Household Income | $76,912 | $79,438 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Newark | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Newark has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Middletown.
Newark scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Newark leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Newark | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 28.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Middletown is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Newark.
From a growth perspective, Middletown is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Newark has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Newark | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,311 | 47,958 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 22.1 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Newark
Advantages
Home to Christiana Hospital, Delaware's only Level I trauma center, ensuring high-quality healthcare access.
The University of Delaware provides extensive educational opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Median household income of $76,912 in 2024 is competitive.
Relatively affordable compared to nearby major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York.
Average commute time is relatively short at 19 minutes.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.16% in 2026.
Newark has a high poverty rate of 27.73%.
Housing costs are 10.5% higher than the national average.
The median age of 22.1 years suggests a transient student population, potentially impacting long-term community stability.
Utilities and groceries are slightly more expensive than the national average.
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.
Newark
#162Delaware, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,649
Avg Salary
$51,024
Cost Index
106
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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
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