United States
Cost of living in Delaware
Cost of living in Delaware comes in at 99.8, a fraction below the US average of 100, placing it 20th nationally. Delaware stands out primarily for what it does not tax: there is no state sales tax, which amounts to a tangible discount on every retail purchase compared with most states. Income taxes follow a progressive schedule with a top rate of 6.6 percent, which applies to higher earners, while the lowest bracket begins after the first $2,000 of income. The combination of zero sales tax and a moderate income tax puts Delaware in a reasonable middle ground for overall tax burden. The state occupies a small geographic footprint between Philadelphia and Baltimore, and housing costs in the Wilmington area reflect proximity to those metros. Southern Delaware, particularly the beach communities near Rehoboth and Lewes, commands premium prices driven by second-home demand and retiree migration.
Price level
99.8
US = 100
National rank
20th
of 51, dearest first
Income tax
6.6%
top rate
Sales tax
0%
state base rate
What your salary is worth in Delaware
Because prices here sit at 99.8 against the national 100, the same paycheck stretches differently than it would elsewhere. These figures hold buying power constant: the salary listed is what you would need in Delaware to live as you would on the reference amount in another place.
| Same lifestyle as | $60,000 | $100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| US average | $59,880 | $99,800 |
| California (dearest) | $54,092 | $90,154 |
| Arkansas (cheapest) | $68,907 | $114,845 |
Compare Delaware with anywhere in the US
To live the same in California you need
$77,645
to match $70,000 in Delaware
Price level, US = 100
The equivalent salary keeps your purchasing power constant: it is your pay scaled by the ratio of the two price levels. Regional Price Parities measure what a fixed basket of goods and services costs locally. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.
Delaware in context
Delaware's reputation as a corporate-friendly jurisdiction draws businesses but has limited direct impact on individual cost of living. For consumers, the absence of a sales tax is the most tangible daily benefit, saving an estimated 6 to 8 percent on taxable purchases compared with neighboring Pennsylvania or Maryland. Wilmington's housing market is relatively affordable for a city in the mid-Atlantic corridor, though the suburbs have seen price appreciation consistent with the broader region. Property taxes in Delaware are low by regional standards, which helps keep overall housing costs manageable. The progressive income tax does impose meaningful rates on six-figure earners, partially offsetting the sales tax savings. For retirees, Delaware exempts a portion of pension and investment income, making it a common destination for those moving south from New England or New York.
The closest state above Delaware on price is Nevada at 100. Just below sits Utah at 98.9.
Frequently asked questions
Is Delaware expensive to live in?
Delaware sits at a price level of 99.8 where the US average is 100, so a typical basket of goods and services costs about the same as the national norm. That ranks it 20th most expensive of 51 states. Housing is usually the largest single driver of the gap.
What salary do you need in Delaware?
To match the buying power of $60,000 earned at the US average, you would need about $59,880 in Delaware. The figure scales with the price level: a place dearer than average needs more, a cheaper one needs less. Your own number also depends on housing choice and household size.
How much tax does Delaware charge?
Delaware applies a top state income-tax rate of 6.6% and a base state sales tax of 0%. First $2,000 of income is taxed at 0% (bracket starts at $2,000); structure shown is the taxable tiers. No state sales tax. Local jurisdictions can add their own sales tax on top.
Cost of living in other states
Price levels are Regional Price Parities from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities (SARPP, MARPP), 2024 (public domain). State tax figures are the latest published rates from state revenue departments. All figures are estimates for general comparison and not financial advice; your own costs depend on housing, household size and lifestyle.