City Comparison
Wilmington vs Newark
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Newark scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wilmington
Newark
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wilmington is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
21% lower than in Newark.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wilmington's average rent is
14% lower than Newark's.
| Metric | Wilmington | Newark | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,410 | $1,649 | -14% |
| Groceries | $400 | $409 | -2% |
| Utilities | $180 | $371 | -51% |
| Transport | $90 | $351 | -74% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $139 | +58% |
| Monthly Total | $2,300 | $2,919 | -21% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 106 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wilmington offers 50% 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 $51,960 in Newark.
| Metric | Wilmington | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,681 | $51,024 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $51,960 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,717 idx | 48,136 idx |
| Household Income | $58,671 | $76,912 |
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 | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Newark has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Wilmington.
For walkability, Wilmington leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wilmington | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wilmington is the larger city
— approximately 2.4x the population of Newark.
From a growth perspective, Wilmington 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 | Wilmington | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 73,179 | 30,311 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.78% | — |
| Median Age | 37.0 | 22.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.90% | 3.60% |
| 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
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.
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
Newark
#162Delaware, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,649
Avg Salary
$51,024
Cost Index
106
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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