Performance
Score Breakdown
Middletown
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aiken is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
15% higher compared to Middletown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Middletown's average rent is
23% higher than Aiken's.
| Metric | Middletown | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,725 | $1,400 | +23% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $212 | $236 | -10% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,757 | $2,406 | +15% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 21% higher 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 Middletown is estimated at
$65,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Middletown | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $80,000 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,211 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $79,438 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Middletown | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Aiken scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Aiken leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Middletown | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Middletown is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Aiken.
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 | Middletown | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,958 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
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.
Middletown
#21Connecticut, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,725
Avg Salary
$80,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
28.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
Aiken
#49South Carolina, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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