City Comparison
Wilmington vs Smyrna
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wilmington scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wilmington
Smyrna
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wilmington is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Smyrna.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wilmington's average rent is
19% lower than Smyrna's.
| Metric | Wilmington | Smyrna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,410 | $1,750 | -19% |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 | -5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 | -5% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $150 | +47% |
| Monthly Total | $2,300 | $2,630 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wilmington offers 45% 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 $57,912 in Smyrna.
| Metric | Wilmington | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,681 | $52,722 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $57,912 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,717 idx | 53,255 idx |
| Household Income | $58,671 | $67,048 |
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Wilmington has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 33 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wilmington is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Smyrna.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Smyrna has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wilmington | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 73,179 | 13,936 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.78% | 2.90% |
| Median Age | 37.0 | 34.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.90% | 4.60% |
| 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
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.
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
Smyrna
#533Delaware, USA
49.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$52,722
Cost Index
99
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
68
Business
72
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