The median home price in Delaware is $316,400, which has increased by 4.3% since the last year. The Delaware housing market has witnessed a 2.5% year-over-year decline in the number of homes listed. With only a 2-month supply left, the tight inventory is expected to drive an increase in the median sale price.
As per our research, home prices are relatively higher in coastal areas near Dover, DE. On the other hand, as you move towards the inland areas of the Diamond State, like Seaford, you can find cheaper housing options
4 Reasons to live in Delaware 🏖️
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Delaware is ~$316K. But you can get houses between $243K and $309K in cities like Harrington, Seaford, and Dover.
- Tax Benefits: Delaware is known for its business-friendly tax environment. The state provides business tax forms and information for companies operating within its jurisdiction.
- Affordable Transportation: Transportation in cities that are listed below is up to 15% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $250 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Delaware in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrington | $62,639 | $243,198 | 3,730 | 7.5% | 21% |
| New Castle | $95,884 | $261,897 | 5,533 | 3.6% | 4.3% |
| Laurel | $34,615 | $280,512 | 3,886 | 6.4% | 40% |
| Seaford | $49,469 | $287,125 | 8,516 | 6.4% | 20.2% |
| Wilmington | $54,731 | $301,985 | 71,569 | 6.4% | 24.3% |
| Delmar | $49,130 | $303,760 | 2,241 | 4.3% | 14.8% |
| Dover | $54,438 | $309,376 | 38,594 | 5.3% | 20.0% |
7 Cheapest Places to Live in DE
The annual population growth of 13.2% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Delaware. If you’re considering shifting to the Diamond State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Harrington
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $243,198 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,350 |
| 🌅 Known For | Watkins Wonders Petting Zoo |
Harrington is an affordable place to live in Delaware. Its median house rent ranges from $900 – $1,800. It also offers very affordable housing which is 35.6% lower than the national average.
Harrington’s strategic location offers easy access to major cities like New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Additionally, the city boasts horse racing, a casino, historical sites, and even hosts Delaware’s State Fair. This provides residents with diverse cultural and entertainment opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Harrington, DE: Find your dream home in this city.
2. New Castle
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 0.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $261,897 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,587 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Read House and Gardens |
New Castle is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Delaware with an average home rent ranging from $870 – $2,745. It also offers affordable healthcare which is 23.1% lower than the national average.
New Castle offers green parks and scenic walking trails along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The city also provide the residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation amidst natural beauty. These spaces contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.
» Homes for Sale in New Castle, DE: Browse thousands of property listings in New Castle.
3. Laurel
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $280,512 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,100 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Laurel Heritage Museum |
Often referred to as the ‘The Steamboat Capital of the World,’ Laurel’s cost of living is 4.4% lower than the state average. The average expenses on transportation are 8.7% lower than the national average.
Living in Laurel is special because of its lovely charm and beautiful nature. The town also holds historical significance with sites like The Laurel Heritage Museum, The Cook House, Historic Bethel, Bethel Museum, and Old Christ Church.
» Homes for Sale in Laurel, DE: View all the properties for sale in this city.
4. Seaford
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $287,125 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,750 |
| 🏖️ Known For | The Seaford Museum |
Seaford offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $250 lower than the national median. Moreover, the transportation costs are 15.6% below the national average in the city.
Seaford is a city with a rich agricultural heritage. The city emphasizes its historical connection to farming practices and the nylon industry.
» Homes for Sale in Seaford, DE: Browse through thousands of affordable properties.
5. Wilmington
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 0.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $301,985 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,671 |
| 🎨 Known For | Wilmington Riverwalk |
With rental costs below the national average, Wilmington stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Delaware. The house rent price is between $600 – $5,000.
Wilmington’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US.
» Homes for Sale in Wilmington, DE: Browse through thousands of properties in this city.
6. Delmar
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $303,760 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🏫 Known For | Delmarva Discovery Center |
The house rent in Delmar is between $1,500 – $2,300. With an average household income of $49,130, you can comfortably live in this city.
With its small-town charm on the Delmarva Peninsula, Delmar offers a family-friendly atmosphere ideal for raising children. The city also boasts a low crime rate of 48.3 out of 100, which provide a safe environment for residents.
» Homes for Sale in Delmar, DE: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Delaware.
7. Dover
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $309,376 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Johnson Victrola Museum |
Dover is one of the best places to live in Delaware. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $543, making it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Dover, the capital city of Delaware, is known for being the second-largest city in the state. It serves as the seat of government and is home to various state institutions, including legislative and executive branches.
» Homes for Sale in Dover, DE: Get yourself a home in this capital city.
- 🏡 Do You Need Professional Assistance While Buying a Home?
Look no further! You can access a network of top real estate professionals through Houzeo Pros. They will cater to all your needs and requirements.
The Bottom Line
The cost of living in Delaware is 1% higher than the national average. It is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Delaware, you can find affordable housing in cities like Harrington, New Castle, and Laurel.
Cities like Delmar and Dover have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
Find Homes for Sale in DE Under Your Specific Budget
Find an Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale in Delaware on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Delaware, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow, Best Places.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in Delaware?
The cheapest place to live in Delaware is Harrington.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Delaware: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Delaware!
Is Delaware the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $316,400. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
.webp)
