City Comparison
Smyrna vs Middletown
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Middletown scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smyrna
Middletown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Smyrna is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Middletown.
| Metric | Smyrna | Middletown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,725 | +1% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $190 | $212 | -10% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $250 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,630 | $2,757 | -5% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 34% 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 Smyrna is estimated at
$57,912 vs $65,000 in Middletown.
| Metric | Smyrna | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,722 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $57,912 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,255 idx | 84,211 idx |
| Household Income | $67,048 | $79,438 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Smyrna | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Middletown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
Middletown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Middletown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Smyrna | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 33 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | — | 28.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Middletown is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Smyrna.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Smyrna has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smyrna | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,936 | 47,958 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.90% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 4.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
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.
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
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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