Cost of Living for Delaware (2026)
Delaware (DE) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
103
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$70,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,150/month
State Income Tax Rate
6.6%
How This Calculator Works in Delaware
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Delaware and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Delaware's cost of living index of 103 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Delaware Overview
Delaware has a cost of living index of 103, where 100 represents the national average. Delaware's cost of living is near the national average. Northern Delaware (near Philadelphia and Wilmington) is more expensive, while southern Delaware (beach areas excepted) is more affordable. No sales tax reduces everyday costs. The median household income is $70,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $67,961 in an average-cost location.
How Delaware Compares
Delaware's cost of living index of 103 compares to Maryland's 113 and Pennsylvania's 98. Residents in Delaware generally need higher incomes to maintain the same standard of living as those in more affordable states. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 23% less than Delaware, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 86% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | COL Index: 113 | Maryland has a cost of living index of 113 and a median household income of $87,000. It is more expensive than Delaware. |
| Pennsylvania | COL Index: 98 | Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98 and a median household income of $67,000. It is more affordable than Delaware. |
| New Jersey | COL Index: 120 | New Jersey has a cost of living index of 120 and a median household income of $86,000. It is more expensive than Delaware. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Delaware's index of 103 is near the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Delaware's median household income of $70,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Delaware Residents
- 1Delaware's cost of living is near the national average. Northern Delaware (near Philadelphia and Wilmington) is more expensive, while southern Delaware (beach areas excepted) is more affordable. No sales tax reduces everyday costs.
- 2Delaware's median household income of $70,000 has a real purchasing power of about $67,961 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Delaware's top state income tax rate of 6.6% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Delaware between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.