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Cost of Living in Sussex County

Is it better to rent or buy in Sussex County? 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.

$82,303
$1,387/mo

Median in area: $1,387

$393,235

Median in area: $393,235

$78,647

If you Rent

🔑
$1,588 /mo
Base Rent$1,387
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income23.2%
Pre-tax Residual$5,271

If you Buy

🏠
$2,543 /mo
P&I (6.947%)$2,082
Taxes & Ins$260
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income37.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,316

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Sussex County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyCaroline County, MD
$1,236/mo
countyCape May County, NJ
$1,554/mo
countyWorcester County, MD
$1,374/mo
countyWicomico County, MD
$1,323/mo
countyKent County, DE
$1,350/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Sussex County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Sussex County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,588, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,543 per month (a difference of $955).

How much do utilities cost in Sussex County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Sussex County is approximately $201. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Sussex County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Sussex County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $63,520 per year.