Cost of Living in Delaware

Delaware has a cost of living index of 105, making it 5% more expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $85,962 (14% above the US median of $75,149). Across 77 cities tracked in Delaware, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Delaware cities is $1,355/mo (3% above the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $369,657 (21% above the national figure of $304,900). There is a 84-point spread between the most affordable city, Seaford (index 87), and the most expensive, Hockessin (index 171) — a large gap that shows significant regional cost differences.

When evaluating Delaware, it helps to look beyond the state average. Individual city costs can deviate significantly — use the map and rankings below to compare specific locations.

The largest cities in Delaware by population are Wilmington (index 90, pop. 71,124), Dover (index 91, pop. 39,491), Newark (index 114, pop. 30,309), Middletown (index 116, pop. 24,071), and Bear (index 110, pop. 22,604). Cost of living varies considerably even among these major population centers, highlighting the importance of comparing individual cities rather than relying on the state average alone.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.