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Cost of Living in
Delaware

Living cost is 1.68% higher than avg
Families spend upto $8,953/mo on avg
Homeowners spend $8,465/mo on avg
Renters spend $5,009/mo on avg

Cost of Living in
Delaware

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A Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Delaware

U.S. Avg.

Delaware

Difference Diff

Home Price

$532,491

$494,917.6

Apartment Rent (per month)

$1,367

$1,731.4

27%

U.S. Avg.

Delaware

Difference Diff

Phone (per month)

$219.4

$188.74

14%

Total Energy (per month)

$200.23

$214.94

U.S. Avg.

Delaware

Difference Diff

Grocery Staples

Corn Flakes (per box)

$6.79

$5.69

16%

Frozen Corn (per bag)

$2.41

$2.27

Frozen Meal (per package)

$4.85

$4.21

13%

Cooking Oil (per bottle)

$6.16

$9.28

51%

Detergent (per bottle)

$19.51

$20.68

Facial Tissues (per box)

$2.85

$2.16

24%

Sweet Peas (per can)

$1.83

$1.76

Sugar (per bag)

$4.66

$5.4

16%

Bread (per loaf)

$3.87

$4.2

Frying Chicken (per lb)

$1.64

$1.48

10%

Meat & Poultry

Chicken (per lb)

$1.71

$1.57

Steak (per lb)

$14.54

$16.62

14%

Sausage (per lb)

$5.23

$5.17

Ground Beef (per lb)

$8.61

$7.55

12%

Snacks & Beverages

Soft Drink (per bottle)

$3.45

$3.03

12%

Potato Chips (per bag)

$5.54

$4.23

24%

Coffee (per lb)

$6.55

$6.17

Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)

$5.22

$4.91

Fruits & Vegetables

Peaches (per can)

$4.40

$2.92

34%

Lettuce (per head)

$1.98

$2.02

Bananas (per lb)

$0.64

$0.75

18%

Potatoes (per bag)

$5.58

$5.06

Dairy & Eggs

Parmesan Cheese (per lb)

$4.69

$4.96

Margarine (per lb)

$1.30

$1.53

18%

Eggs (per dozen)

$3.98

$4.36

Whole Milk (per gallon)

$4.08

$4.74

16%

Seafood

Chunk Light Tuna (per can)

$1.22

$1.3

U.S. Avg.

Delaware

Difference Diff

Tire Balance (per tire)

$70.23

$67.08

Gasoline (per gallon)

$2.9

$3.18

10%

U.S. Avg.

Delaware

Difference Diff

Doctor Visit (per visit)

$116.03

$159.69

38%

Dentist Visit (per visit)

$145.11

$135.43

Ibuprofen (per bottle)

$12.38

$11.88

Prescription Drug (per month)

$20.8

$18.05

13%

Optometrist Visit (per visit)

$95.27

$146.21

53%

U.S. Avg.

Delaware

Difference Diff

Women’s Slacks

$35.43

$42.92

21%

Boys’ Jeans

$29.47

$31.88

Men’s Shirt

$39.36

$39.28

Wine (per bottle)

$7.51

$11.56

54%

Beer (per 6-pack)

$11.17

$10.54

Veterinary Services (per visit)

$65.33

$80.87

24%

Tennis Balls (per pack)

$3.59

$3.97

11%

Yoga (per class)

$12

$20.55

71%

Movie (per ticket)

$11.67

$14.59

25%

Newspaper (per copy)

$19.31

$12.05

38%

Washer Repair (per service)

$109.47

$109.74

Women Slacks

$34.88

$42.15

21%

Boy Jeans

$29.51

$32.8

11%

Man Dress Shirt

$39.05

$39.92

Dry Cleaning (per item)

$13.45

$16.29

21%

Shampoo (per bottle)

$1.55

$1.61

Toothpaste (per tube)

$3.64

$4.06

11%

Beauty Salon (per visit)

$47.5

$53.49

13%

Haircut (per cut)

$27.08

$31.28

16%

Fried Chicken (per serving)

$4.37

$5.49

26%

Pizza (per pizza)

$11.99

$11.91

Hamburger (per serving)

$5.28

$6.05

15%

The Cost of living in Delaware is 1.68% higher than the national median. While expenses are slightly higher, residents benefit from no sales tax, strategic location, and small-state charm. The state features major employers like DuPont, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and AstraZeneca which creates diverse employment opportunities.

Housing is 7% lower than the national median. Median home prices in Delaware start at $494,917.60. If you're buying a new construction home in Delaware, plan to put down 15–20% of the home price upfront as a down payment. Monthly mortgage payments typically run 8% below the national median, with property taxes among the nation's lowest.
Renting in Delaware is 26.7% higher than the national median of $1,731.40. The average rent in Delaware is approximately $1,665 per month. A one-bedroom home in Delaware costs $1,150 per month, while a two-bedroom averages $1,600. These prices provide access to coastal living and urban convenience at reasonable costs.
Utilities in Delaware are 2% lower the national median. Delaware’s average electricity bill is slightly above the national average at $160, while natural gas bill is around $3.18. Seasonal variations affect costs, but overall utility expenses remain manageable. Internet cost is $188.74, but bundles can cost up to $115 monthly, depending on speed and provider.
Food prices in Delaware are 1% higher than the national median. A gallon of milk costs $4.74, above national trends but reflecting the state's premium location. If you're a family of four, you'll spend $700 to $1,300 each month on groceries. Single adults budget $300 to $600 monthly.
Transportation costs are 3.27% higher than the national median. Gas prices average $3.18 per gallon in Wilmington, above national trends but competitive for the Northeast corridor. Monthly car insurance premiums average $240 in Delaware. Limited public transit outside Wilmington makes car ownership essential but affordable.
Healthcare costs in Delaware are 5.51% higher than the national median. A routine check-up costs $175, without insurance. Dental cleanings average $125, while emergency room visits without insurance can reach $2,650 and more.
Miscellaneous expenses are 8.03% higher than the national median. This covers entertainment, gym memberships (averaging $55 to $105 per month), and recreational activities. A visit to the Delaware Museum of Natural History costs $5.50 for toddlers and $15.50 for ages 3 up, while concerts at the Grand Opera House can start from $80 and go beyond.

Moving to Delaware? Be ready to pay more. But hey, the tax-friendly perks help—just make sure your paycheck can handle the rest!

👉 Next Step: Compare single-family homes in Delaware. Cost of living data is sourced in part from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Figures are provided for informational purposes only and may not reflect real-time changes.

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Is Living in Delaware Expensive?

Yes, Delaware is expensive to live in compared to most states. Even with slightly elevated expenses, Delaware offers strong value compared to many Northeast states, thanks to its no sales tax policy, convenient location, and quality of life amenities.

With $494,917.60, you can get a quality home in Delaware suburbs with excellent schools and coastal access. In contrast, that same amount might buy a small apartment in New Jersey. Moderate food prices, competitive healthcare costs, reasonable transportation expenses, and lower housing costs create solid value propositions.

Housing in Delaware

The average price of a home in Delaware is $494,917.60. With mortgage rates at 6.5%, and property taxes averaging just 0.48% (40th lowest nationally), your housing dollar provides excellent value. Let's break down costs for Delaware homes:

Buying a House in Delaware

For young adults or single people, one-bedroom houses in Newark or Trolley Square offer excellent urban living that averages $375,000. With mortgage rates ranging from 6.5% to 7.5% that adds up to $1,450 to $2,500 monthly, excluding insurance and taxes. Additionally, condos in Downtown Wilmington and surrounding areas typically cost $310,000.
If you're a married couple with young children (under 6), expect to pay between $350,000 and $525,000 for a three-bedroom home in Greenville, Newark, or Middletown. These family-focused communities provide access to top-rated schools such as Greenville Elementary and Newark Elementary.
If you're a married couple with older children (ages 6 to 17), you can find multi-family homes in Delaware for $425,000 to $675,000. Additionally, you can also opt for single family homes in Hockessin or Pike Creek that provide access to excellent schools like Hockessin Elementary and Mount Pleasant High School.

Renting a House in Delaware

Renting in Delaware costs 26.7% higher than the national median. The average rent in Delaware ranges from $1,731.40. As a significant contributor to overall living expenses in Delaware, housing prices vary considerably between New Castle County and coastal areas.

If you're a young adult or single person, rent for a single family home in Wilmington, Downtown or Newark costs $1,650 monthly. Downtown Wilmington attracts residents with venues like The Queen theater and Riverfront Market. Newark offers college town energy near University of Delaware and easy access to Main Street dining. More affordable options exist in neighborhoods like Dover or Seaford, starting at $850 monthly.
If you're a married couple with young children (under 6), expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 monthly for a three-bedroom home in Rehoboth Beach, Middletown, Bear, given a 6.5% to 7.5% interest rate. Middletown features excellent restaurants like Seasons Pizza and family events at Summit Bridge Ponds, while Bear hosts community festivals and recreational programs.
For families with older children (ages 6 to 17), renting a three-bedroom home in Hockessin or a four-bedroom home in Newark costs between $2,200 and $3,800 monthly. Besides this, duplex homes in Delaware can also be a great option for families with older kids.
If you're downsizing, expect to spend $1,100 to $1,500 monthly renting one or two rooms in townhouses in Delaware. Dover, Hockessin, Pike Creek, and Lewes are some of the ideal places to live as they offer low-maintenance living, cultural attractions, and proximity to quality healthcare facilities like ChristianaCare.
International students should budget about $2,200 monthly split three ways, for a three-bedroom home in Delaware. Sharing apartments in neighborhoods like Newark near University of Delaware or Dover near Delaware State University can reduce rent costs by 30% to 40%. The average rent for one-bedroom is $1,100 and for two-bedroom is $1,300.

Utilities in Delaware

Food and Groceries in Delaware

Transportation in Delaware

Healthcare in Delaware

Healthcare costs in Delaware are 5.51% higher than the national median, reflecting the state's quality medical institutions and East Coast location. Quality care comes with premium pricing but excellent outcomes.

Doctor Visit — $159.69+ per visit: In Delaware, routine care like annual physicals, blood pressure monitoring, or prescription consultations typically averages $159.69 per visit. Specialized visits, such as cardiology or dermatology consultations, cost at least $300 and can cross $2,000 depending on the provider.
Dentist Visit — $135.43+ per visit: A basic dental cleaning costs around $120, while cavity fillings cost $245. Procedures like X-rays or periodontal treatments tend to be around $65, 5–10% below major state averages.
Optometrist Visit — $146.21+ per visit: Routine eye exams like vision checks and prescription updates in Delaware cost more than the national median. Specialized services, like contact lens fittings or retinal screening can add $175 or more.
Prescription Drugs — $18.05+ per package: For chronic conditions like diabetes, a month's supply of Metformin costs $22 without insurance. Moreover, hypertension medication with Lisinopril costs $26 monthly. For short-term needs, common antibiotics like Amoxicillin cost $30.
Over-the-Counter Meds — $12+ per package: Everyday essentials like ibuprofen, allergy relief, and cold medications like DayQuil average $11.88 per package. Whether you're fighting winter illnesses, dealing with spring allergies, or nursing weekend beach activities.

Healthcare in Delaware costs more than many neighboring states, but you also get access to excellent institutions like ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, and Nemours Children's Health. The state's moderate climate reduces extreme weather health expenses, while reasonable living costs attract quality medical professionals.
It's beneficial to maintain health insurance, as the average cost of a doctor's visit in Delaware is around $175*. Delaware has an average monthly benchmark premium of $534*.

*Disclaimer:These figures are averages and can vary based on individual circumstances and specific insurance providers. It's recommended to compare plans and consult with insurance professionals to find the best coverage for your needs.

Miscellaneous Costs in Delaware

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Delaware?

The average salary in Delaware is 1.68% higher. But the salary to live comfortably in Delaware ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on your lifestyle, family size, and location preferences.

Homeowners spend $101,585.00 per year: Mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities are moderate, though beachside towns like Rehoboth or Lewes can push costs higher.

Renters spend $60,110.00 per year: Renting is more affordable inland but can be pricier along the coast. Still, most residents can manage comfortably with a modest income.

Families with kids spend $107,431.00 per year: Childcare, healthcare, education, and larger homes raise expenses, but Delaware’s lack of sales tax and strong school districts help keep family budgets in check.

Is Delaware Too Expensive? Find Homes in Delaware as Per Your Budget

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What is a Cost of Living Calculator?

A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Delaware cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.

About Cost of Living Data

The data used to determine Delaware's cost of living is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure consistency and quality. For more information, visit www.coli.org. Data published as of Oct 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is gas in Delaware?

The cost of gas in Delaware averages around $3.18 per gallon in Wilmington, above the national median but competitive for the Northeast. Prices may fluctuate during hurricane season or around high-traffic periods like NASCAR races at Dover International Speedway or University of Delaware football games. Traffic on I-95 and Route 1 can lead to longer commutes and more frequent fill-ups.

Is Delaware a good place to live?

Yes, Delaware is an excellent place to live if you value no sales tax, coastal access, and proximity to major cities. It features quality airports like Wilmington and easy access to Philadelphia and Baltimore airports, plus excellent healthcare at ChristianaCare and Bayhealth. Additionally, areas like Newark and Hockessin have outstanding school districts.

What is the cost of living in Delaware?

The average cost of living in Delaware is 1.68% higher than the national median. Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach are on the higher end for the state, while Dover, Seaford, and Milford rank among the most affordable places to live in Delaware.

What is the average rent in Delaware?

A one-bedroom apartment in Delaware typically rents for $1,150 per month. Desirable neighborhoods like Trolley Square and downtown Newark charge higher rents for their amenities, such as walkable entertainment districts, quality dining, and proximity to employment centers.

How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Delaware?

A two-bedroom apartment in Delaware costs between $1,731.40 per month. Expect higher rents for locations with amenities or luxury homes in Greenville, Centreville, and other premium communities.

What is the average price of utilities in Delaware?

Utilities in Delaware range from $150 to over $400 per month. This includes electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and trash. Water treatment improvements and PFAS filtration requirements may increase future utility bills.

How much is childcare in Delaware?

If you're moving to Delaware, expect childcare costs to range between $1,200 to $2,200 per month for toddlers. However, prices vary by area. Daycare centers in Greenville and Hockessin cost more than in-home care arrangements in neighborhoods like Dover and Seaford.