City Comparison
Wilmington vs Milton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Milton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wilmington
Milton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wilmington is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
25% lower than in Milton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wilmington's average rent is
33% lower than Milton's.
| Metric | Wilmington | Milton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,410 | $2,100 | -33% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,300 | $3,050 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 102 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wilmington offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wilmington delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wilmington is estimated at
$55,000 vs $58,000 in Milton.
| Metric | Wilmington | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,681 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,717 idx | 66,667 idx |
| Household Income | $58,671 | $80,875 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.5°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Milton sees 6.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Wilmington | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.40°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 83.50°F | 82.60°F |
| Winter Low | 25.70°F | 27.70°F |
| Rainfall | 40.80 in | 53.90 in |
| Snowfall | 13.20 in | 19.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 255 | 246 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Wilmington has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Milton.
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 | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 42.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wilmington is the larger city
— approximately 20.5x the population of Milton.
From a growth perspective, Milton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Milton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wilmington | Milton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 73,179 | 3,567 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.78% | 2.85% |
| Median Age | 37.0 | 52.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.90% | 4.20% |
| 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
Milton
Advantages
Median household income stands strong at approximately $80,875, reflecting solid local economic stability per US Census data.
Crime rates in Milton are significantly lower than state and national averages, ensuring a safe community environment.
Proximity to Delaware's prime coastal beaches like Lewes and Rehoboth provides exceptional recreational opportunities.
The historic downtown district features preserved Victorian architecture, local boutiques, and the renowned Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
High homeownership rate of over 80% highlights a stable, invested community of residents per Census Bureau reports.
Drawbacks
Housing prices and rental rates have risen sharply due to high regional demand along the Delaware coast.
Public transportation options within the town are very limited, resulting in high car dependency.
The local median age is relatively high at 52.6 years, which may offer fewer dynamics for younger families or singles.
Limited large-scale industrial or corporate job diversification within town limits requires commuting for certain specialized careers.
Inflow of new housing developments places gradual pressure on local infrastructure and two-lane rural roads.
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
Milton
#82Delaware, USA
68.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,100
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.85%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
77
Business
70
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