Cost of Living in Delaware
Delaware has 3 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Wilmington (cost index 100.7) to Newark (113.0), with a statewide average around 106.9 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Wilmington at $1,187/mo and highest in Newark at $1,611/mo.
Delaware at a Glance
Cities Tracked
3
with census data
Avg Cost Index
106.9
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,350
per month
Avg Household Income
$61,659
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 100.7 | $1,187 |
| Newark | 113.0 | $1,611 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | 113.0 | $1,611 |
| Wilmington | 100.7 | $1,187 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Delaware
State Income Tax
6.60%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
None
No statewide sales tax
Popular Cities in Delaware
Delaware Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Wilmington | 71,124 | 100.7 | $1,187 | $224,500 | $55,269 |
| Dover | 39,491 | — | $1,252 | $248,500 | $58,336 |
| Newark | 30,309 | 113.0 | $1,611 | $357,600 | $71,373 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Delaware cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Delaware cities stack up across the US. For example, Wilmington vs Dover.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Delaware
What is the cost of living in Delaware?
The average cost of living index across cities in Delaware is approximately 106.9 (US average = 100), which is slightly above the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,350/month and median household income averages around $61,659/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Delaware?
The most affordable cities in Delaware by cost of living index are: 1. Wilmington (index 100.7), 2. Newark (index 113.0).
What is the median rent in Delaware?
The average median gross rent across cities in Delaware is approximately $1,350/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Delaware?
Delaware's top marginal state income tax rate is 6.60%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Delaware?
Delaware has no statewide sales tax. However, some local jurisdictions may impose additional sales taxes. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Delaware?
Delaware has a cost of living index of approximately 106.9 and average median rent around $1,350/month. It is somewhat above the US average in cost, so factor that into your relocation budget. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology