City Comparison
Smithfield vs Aiken
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smithfield
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aiken is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Smithfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Smithfield's average rent is
32% higher than Aiken's.
| Metric | Smithfield | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $1,400 | +32% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $210 | $236 | -11% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $2,406 | +18% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smithfield offers 15% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Smithfield is estimated at
$62,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Smithfield | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,370 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $105,400 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Smithfield runs warmer on average — a 50.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Smithfield comes out ahead with 252 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Smithfield | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Aiken scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Aiken leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Smithfield | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aiken is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, Aiken is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aiken has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smithfield | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,118 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smithfield
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Smithfield
#151Rhode Island, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
50.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
Aiken
#322South Carolina, USA
60.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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