Cost of Living in Delaware

Avg Index: 107

11 cities · Updated March 2026

$1,605
Avg Rent / Month
$87,579
Avg Income
$319,909
Avg Home Value
107
Avg Cost Index
6.6%
Income Tax
0%
Sales Tax
Cheapest in Delaware
Wilmington
Index: 80 · Rent: $1,187/mo
Most Expensive in Delaware
Hockessin
Index: 183 · Rent: $2,980/mo

Delaware Cost of Living Overview

Delaware is more expensive than the national average, with an average cost index of 107 across 11 cities. The average monthly rent across Delaware cities is $1,605, with median household incomes averaging $87,579 per year. The cheapest city is Wilmington (index 80) and the most expensive is Hockessin (index 183).

Delaware has a moderate tax environment with a 6.6% top income tax rate, 0% sales tax, and 0.57% effective property tax rate.

All 11 Cities in Delaware — Ranked by Cost

Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (US average = 100)

#CityCost Index RentIncomeHome ValuePopulation
1 Wilmington 80 $1,187/mo $55,269 $224,500 71,124
2 Milford 84 $1,182/mo $55,265 $274,600 12,193
3 Dover 85 $1,252/mo $58,336 $248,500 39,491
4 Brookside 92 $1,381/mo $72,031 $264,800 15,262
5 Smyrna 96 $1,398/mo $70,473 $273,400 13,031
6 Pike Creek Valley 105 $1,602/mo $93,896 $299,500 11,992
7 Bear 106 $1,676/mo $88,985 $280,200 22,604
8 Newark 112 $1,611/mo $71,373 $357,600 30,309
9 Middletown 119 $1,567/mo $115,252 $399,500 24,071
10 Glasgow 120 $1,821/mo $109,803 $346,200 16,095
11 Hockessin 183 $2,980/mo $172,695 $550,200 13,608

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cost of living in Delaware

What is the cost of living in Delaware?
The average cost of living index across 11 cities in Delaware is 107 (US average = 100). Average rent is $1,605/month and median household income averages $87,579/year.
What is the cheapest city in Delaware?
The cheapest city in Delaware is Wilmington with a cost index of 80, median rent of $1,187/month, and median income of $55,269/year.
What is the most expensive city in Delaware?
The most expensive city in Delaware is Hockessin with a cost index of 183, median rent of $2,980/month, and median income of $172,695/year.
What are taxes like in Delaware?
Delaware has a top income tax rate of 6.6%, a sales tax of 0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.57%.
How many cities does CostToLive cover in Delaware?
We track cost of living data for 11 cities in Delaware with populations of 10,000 or more, using US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data.