Living Grande · eXp Realty Delaware
Cost of Living in Delaware
Explore all three counties — then see how Delaware stacks up against where you live today.
New Castle County
Delaware's most urban county — home to Wilmington, Newark, and Middletown
Character
Urban · Suburban
Population
~570,000
Avg Wage
$74,412/yr
Sales Tax
0% — None
Near Cities
Philly 30 min
Median Home Price
$404,612
State median · varies by city
Below NJ & PA
Property Tax Rate
0.74%
~$2,444/yr median bill
Well below national avg
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,523
vs $1,639 national avg
7% below US avg
Gas (per gallon)
$3.04
vs $3.13 national avg
Below national avg
Weekly Groceries
$246
Per household avg
~2% above US avg
Monthly Electric
$138
vs $137 national avg
Near national avg
Health Insurance
$1,718/yr
Employee contribution
Slightly above avg
Living Wage (single)
$17.99/hr
MIT Living Wage calc
Manageable
Zero Sales Tax
Delaware has no state or local sales tax — every purchase saves you 6–10% vs neighboring states like NJ, PA, and MD.
Access to Major Cities
Philadelphia is 30 min away. NYC, DC, and Baltimore all within 2 hours via I-95 or Amtrak — without big-city prices.
Top-Rated Schools
Northern New Castle County has some of Delaware's highest-rated school districts, including Newark and Brandywine.
Corporate Hub
Home to over 65% of Fortune 500 companies incorporated in Delaware. Strong job market in finance, pharma, and tech.
Kent County
Delaware's capital county — home to Dover, the state's most affordable major city
Character
Suburban · Rural
Population
~180,000
Living Wage
$17.33/hr
Sales Tax
0% — None
Airport
Dover AFB nearby
Median Home Price
~$290,000
Dover area median
Most affordable county
Property Tax Rate
0.46%
~$1,331/yr median bill
Among lowest in US
Avg Monthly Rent
$978
Below state average
Very affordable
Gas (per gallon)
$3.04
Statewide rate
Below national avg
Monthly Family Cost
$7,178
Family of 4 modest budget
Below NCC
Monthly Electric
$138
Statewide average
Competitive
Dover Cost Index
4% below
vs national average
Most affordable city
Homestead Exemption
Available
Seniors 65+ save big
$173k off assessed val
Lowest Cost in Delaware
Dover ranks as Delaware's most affordable major city — 4% below the national average cost of living.
State Capital Amenities
Home to state government, Delaware State University, and a growing healthcare and retail sector.
Space & Quiet
More land per dollar, larger lots, lower density — ideal for families looking for room to breathe.
Beach Access
Rehoboth Beach and Delaware's famous coastal towns are just 45–60 minutes south. Weekend getaway built in.
Sussex County
Delaware's coastal gem — beaches, retirement communities, and the lowest taxes in the state
Character
Coastal · Resort
Population
~250,000
Living Wage
$15.85/hr
Sales Tax
0% — None
Beach Towns
Rehoboth · Lewes
Median Home Price
$397,800
Coastal areas higher
Beach premium applies
Property Tax Rate
0.33%
~$1,171/yr median bill
Lowest in Delaware
Avg Monthly Rent
$978
Inland areas
Affordable inland
Gas (per gallon)
$3.04
Statewide rate
Below national avg
Retiree Exemption
$229,000
Off assessed value (65+)
Best in Delaware
Monthly Electric
$138
Statewide average
Competitive
Living Wage
$15.85/hr
Lowest in Delaware
Most affordable wages
Lifestyle Score
Exceptional
Beach · Nature · Quiet
Top retirement spot
Beach Lifestyle
Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Lewes are world-class coastal destinations right in your backyard.
Best for Retirees
No Social Security tax. $229k homestead exemption for seniors. Lowest property tax in DE. Pension exclusions available.
Lowest Tax Burden
At 0.33% property tax — the lowest in Delaware — Sussex homeowners pay an average of just $1,171/year.
Space & Nature
Vast open spaces, wildlife refuges, bay access, and a slower pace of life make Sussex a true hidden gem.
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See How Delaware Compares to Where You Live
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🏛️ Delaware
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💰 Your Potential Annual Savings in Delaware
$0
Housing Savings/yr
$0
Tax Savings/yr
$0
Total Est. Savings/yr
0%
Sales Tax in Delaware