Performance
Score Breakdown
Middletown
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Akron is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% higher compared to Middletown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Middletown's average rent is
54% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | Middletown | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,725 | $1,123 | +54% |
| Groceries | $450 | $742 | -39% |
| Utilities | $212 | $234 | -9% |
| Transport | $120 | $357 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $130 | +92% |
| Monthly Total | $2,757 | $2,586 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 10% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Middletown is estimated at
$65,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Middletown | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $80,000 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,211 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $79,438 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Middletown | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Middletown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akron leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Middletown | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Middletown.
From a growth perspective, Middletown is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akron has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Middletown | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,958 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | % |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 3.80% |
| 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.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below 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
Akron
#98Ohio, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
48.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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