Laurel, DE vs Rehoboth Beach, DE

The cost of living difference between Laurel, DE and Rehoboth Beach, DE is dramatic. Laurel is 56.2% cheaper than Rehoboth Beach, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Laurel has a cost index of 78 while Rehoboth Beach sits at 178, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Laurel is $924/month compared to $1,391/month in Rehoboth Beach — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Laurel is more affordable at $192,700 median vs $1,238,400.

Median household income in Laurel is $44,593 compared to $141,250 in Rehoboth Beach (-68.4%). While Rehoboth Beach is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Laurel spend roughly 24.9% of their income on rent, more than the 11.8% in Rehoboth Beach.