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Cost of Living in Delaware

Is it better to rent or buy in Delaware? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$90,382
$1,481/mo

Median in area: $1,481

$360,730

Median in area: $360,730

$72,146

If you Rent

🔑
$1,674 /mo
Base Rent$1,481
Est. Utilities$193
% of Income22.2%
Pre-tax Residual$5,858

If you Buy

🏠
$2,337 /mo
P&I (6.852%)$1,891
Taxes & Ins$253
Est. Utilities$193
% of Income31.0%
Pre-tax Residual$5,194

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Delaware?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Delaware. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,674, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,337 per month (a difference of $663).

How much do utilities cost in Delaware?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Delaware is approximately $193. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Delaware?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Delaware without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $66,960 per year.