Performance
Score Breakdown
Middletown
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
40% higher compared to Middletown.
Housing costs are a major driver: Middletown's average rent is
82% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Middletown | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,725 | $950 | +82% |
| Groceries | $450 | $342 | +32% |
| Utilities | $212 | $295 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $180 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,757 | $1,967 | +40% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middletown offers 13% 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 $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Middletown | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $80,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,211 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $79,438 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Middletown | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Middletown.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Middletown | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Middletown.
From a growth perspective, Middletown is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Middletown | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,958 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | % |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 4.40% |
| 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.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
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
Toledo
#65Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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