City Comparison
Wilmington vs Middletown
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Middletown scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wilmington
Middletown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wilmington is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Middletown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wilmington's average rent is
18% lower than Middletown's.
| Metric | Wilmington | Middletown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,410 | $1,725 | -18% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $212 | -15% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,300 | $2,757 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 4% 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 Wilmington is estimated at
$55,000 vs $65,000 in Middletown.
| Metric | Wilmington | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,681 | $80,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,717 idx | 84,211 idx |
| Household Income | $58,671 | $79,438 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Wilmington runs warmer on average — a 55.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Wilmington comes out ahead with 255 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Wilmington sees 13.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Wilmington | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 255 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Wilmington scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wilmington leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wilmington | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 28.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wilmington is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Middletown.
From a growth perspective, Wilmington is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Middletown has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wilmington | Middletown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 73,179 | 47,958 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.78% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 37.0 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.90% | 4.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wilmington
Advantages
Strategic East Coast location with direct Amtrak and I-95 access to Philadelphia, NYC, and D.C.
Zero state retail sales tax, lowering everyday purchase costs for consumers
Thriving hub for legal, financial services, and corporate headquarters
Vibrant Riverfront district offering dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
Average rent and overall cost of living sit below the national average
Drawbacks
Property and violent crime rates in certain urban pockets exceed the national average
Poverty rate in the city limits remains notably higher than the broader suburban county
State and local income tax structures can feel heavy for middle-income earners
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along I-95 can be frustrating
Historic housing stock often requires significant maintenance and modernization costs
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.
Wilmington
#506Delaware, USA
52.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$76,681
Cost Index
95
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
55.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.78%
Unemployment
4.90%
Livability
72
Business
75
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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