City Comparison
Williamsport vs Aiken
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Aiken scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Williamsport
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Williamsport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Aiken.
Housing costs are a major driver: Williamsport's average rent is
32% lower than Aiken's.
| Metric | Williamsport | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,400 | -32% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $236 | -26% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $1,845 | $2,406 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 21% lower 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 Williamsport is estimated at
$42,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Williamsport | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,465 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $48,500 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Williamsport runs warmer on average — a 51°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Williamsport comes out ahead with 236 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Williamsport sees 17.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Williamsport | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 236 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Williamsport has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
Williamsport scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Williamsport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Williamsport | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Aiken is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Williamsport.
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 | Williamsport | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,481 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Williamsport
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates are significantly below the national average per US Census Bureau data.
World-famous birthplace of Little League Baseball, offering unique cultural events and community pride.
Abundant outdoor recreation access, including the Susquehanna River and nearby state forests.
Strong local healthcare sector anchored by UPMC Williamsport providing comprehensive medical services.
Rich Victorian architectural heritage and a vibrant downtown arts and dining scene.
Drawbacks
Median household income trails behind the broader national and state averages per Census estimates.
Public transit options are limited outside the primary fixed-bus routes, requiring high car dependency.
Limited high-paying corporate or tech sector job growth compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be cold and snowy, requiring preparation for winter weather conditions.
Gradual population stagnation over recent decades impacting broader municipal tax revenue.
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.
Williamsport
#417Pennsylvania, USA
57.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
86
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
236/yr
Avg Temp
51.00°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
73
Business
64
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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