City Comparison
Seaford vs Newark
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Newark scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Seaford
Newark
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Seaford is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Newark.
Housing costs are a major driver: Seaford's average rent is
18% lower than Newark's.
| Metric | Seaford | Newark | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,649 | -18% |
| Groceries | $380 | $409 | -7% |
| Utilities | $165 | $371 | -56% |
| Transport | $110 | $351 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $139 | +58% |
| Monthly Total | $2,225 | $2,919 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 106 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Seaford offers 2% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Seaford delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Seaford is estimated at
$48,000 vs $51,960 in Newark.
| Metric | Seaford | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $51,024 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $51,960 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,319 idx | 48,136 idx |
| Household Income | $55,000 | $76,912 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Seaford runs warmer on average — a 57°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Seaford comes out ahead with 252 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Seaford sees 19.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Seaford | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 28.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 49.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Newark has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Seaford.
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 | Seaford | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Newark is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Seaford.
From a growth perspective, Seaford 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 | Seaford | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,450 | 30,311 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | — |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 22.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Seaford
Advantages
Median home prices and rent are significantly more affordable than Delaware's coastal beach communities
Home to TidalHealth Nanticoke, providing robust local healthcare access and employment
Scenic location along the Nanticoke River with excellent opportunities for boating and fishing
Low Delaware property taxes help reduce the ongoing cost of homeownership
Strategic central location along U.S. Route 13 with easy access to regional hubs
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation infrastructure outside the downtown core
Property crime rates in certain areas are higher than the national average for small towns
Average local salaries lag behind the national GDP per capita benchmarks
Limited high-end dining and nightlife options within city limits
Summer humidity can be intense during peak months
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.
Seaford
#415Delaware, USA
57.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
57.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
64
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Seaford and Newark.
Open Cost Calculator