Delaware cost of living
Can you afford to live in the First State?
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Relocating to Delaware offers a chance to experience the state’s coastal charm, historic towns and proximity to major cities. But before making the move, it’s essential to understand how living costs in Delaware can impact your monthly budget — from rent and home prices to everyday costs like groceries and gas.
To determine the cost of living in Delaware, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Delaware spend $57,672 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Delaware is $1,523, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Delaware spend $246.21 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.04 in Delaware.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Delaware pay $1,718 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Delaware
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Delaware was $57,672 in 2023. This figure captures what Delaware residents typically pay each year for housing, health care, groceries, gas, utilities and other personal expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Delaware:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Delaware |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $10,311 |
| Health care | $11,091 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $4,237 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,696 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $30,337 |
| Total cost | $57,672 |
Housing costs in Delaware
Housing costs often make up the largest share of the monthly budget for Delaware residents. According to 2025 data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Delaware is $1,523, which is a bit lower than the national average of $1,639. Your housing costs will vary depending on location and the type of property you choose. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey found the following average monthly rents in Delaware:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,182
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,340
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,548
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,811
If you are planning to buy a home, the median home price in Delaware is $388,800, which is less than the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Property taxes can also affect your housing budget. Delaware’s effective property tax rate is ranked No. 40 nationally, with an average rate of 0.5% for homeowners.
» COMPARE: Best moving companies in Delaware
Food costs in Delaware
Grocery bills and meals can take up a significant portion of your monthly expenses. The latest U.S. Census data shows the average weekly grocery spend in Delaware is $246.21, compared with the national weekly average of $270.21.
How much you’ll spend on food in Delaware depends on your habits and location. Those who do most of their shopping in larger supermarkets or cook at home may see moderate grocery bills, while frequent dining out — especially in resort towns or city centers — can quickly add up. Residents in rural areas or smaller communities often find local markets and produce more affordable, but prices can spike in popular coastal or tourist destinations.
Transportation costs in Delaware
Transportation expenses in Delaware include everything from gas prices to car insurance. As of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.04, which is lower than the U.S. average of $3.13.
Drivers in Delaware also pay an average auto insurance premium of $1,388.67, compared with a national average of $1,258. These costs can impact monthly budgets for families who commute or drive frequently.
Health care costs in Delaware
Health care is a somewhat large expense for many Delaware residents. The average employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance is $1,718 per year, with employers covering the remaining $5,911 of the $7,629 total premium.
For comparison, the national average employee contribution is $1,640 out of a total premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Delaware
Utility bills are another important part of the cost of living in Delaware. The average monthly electric bill in Delaware is $138.04, compared with $136.84 for the U.S.
Natural gas in Delaware costs $12.71 per thousand cubic feet, while the national average is $12.92.
FAQ
Does Delaware have a high cost of living?
No, Delaware has a moderate cost of living compared with the national average. Delaware residents often pay a bit more for health care and electricity. However, rent and home prices are slightly below the national average.
Is Delaware a good place to live?
Yes, Delaware is a good place to live if you value being part of a state that continues to attract newcomers. It offers a balance between affordability and access to amenities. Renters can still find competitive housing, although the overall cost of living is slightly above the national average.
Is Delaware good for renters?
Yes, Delaware is good for renters. Rent is slightly less expensive compared with the national average, and there’s a range of housing options for those looking to rent. However, renters should be aware that tenant protections aren’t as strong as in some other states, which may influence long-term stability.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
