Performance
Score Breakdown
Newark
Smyrna
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Smyrna is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to Newark.
| Metric | Newark | Smyrna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,649 | $1,750 | -6% |
| Groceries | $409 | $420 | -3% |
| Utilities | $371 | $190 | +95% |
| Transport | $351 | $120 | +193% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $150 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $2,919 | $2,630 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 106 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smyrna offers 3% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Smyrna delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Newark is estimated at
$51,960 vs $57,912 in Smyrna.
| Metric | Newark | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,024 | $52,722 |
| Salary Needed | $51,960 | $57,912 |
| Purchasing Power | 48,136 idx | 53,255 idx |
| Household Income | $76,912 | $67,048 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Newark | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Newark has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 33 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 25.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Newark is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x the population of Smyrna.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna 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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,311 | 13,936 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.90% |
| Median Age | 22.1 | 34.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
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.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Newark
#22Delaware, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,649
Avg Salary
$51,024
Cost Index
106
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
Smyrna
#68Delaware, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$52,722
Cost Index
99
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
68
Business
72
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