City Comparison
Milton vs Newark
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Milton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Milton
Newark
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Newark is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Milton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Milton's average rent is
27% higher than Newark's.
| Metric | Milton | Newark | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,649 | +27% |
| Groceries | $400 | $409 | -2% |
| Utilities | $180 | $371 | -51% |
| Transport | $120 | $351 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $3,050 | $2,919 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 106 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Milton offers 33% 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 $51,960 in Newark.
| Metric | Milton | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $51,024 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $51,960 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 48,136 idx |
| Household Income | $80,875 | $76,912 |
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 | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Newark has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Milton.
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 | Milton | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Newark 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, Newark has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Milton | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,567 | 30,311 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.85% | — |
| Median Age | 52.6 | 22.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.60% |
| 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.
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.
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
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
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