Cost of living in Delaware
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Delaware are about the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 99.8 (U.S. = 100), making it the #20 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Delaware with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Delaware prices
- 2.8% cheaper
- Take-home in Delaware at $75,000
- $57,684$4,807 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $56,094$4,674 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +9.8%+$5,499 a year in Delaware buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Delaware take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Delaware with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Delaware as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Delaware? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Delaware prices by category
| Category | Delaware | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 99.8 | −0.2% |
| Goods | 96.2 | −3.8% |
| Housing (rent) | 102.0 | +2.0% |
| Utilities | 103.8 | +3.8% |
| Other services | 101.2 | +1.2% |
Rents in Delaware are close to the national average. The overall price level rose 1.1% relative to the nation versus 2023 (98.8). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Delaware, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,943 | $40,057 | $40,134 | $50,096 |
| $75,000 | $17,317 | $57,684 | $57,794 | $75,144 |
| $100,000 | $26,479 | $73,521 | $73,662 | $100,192 |
At $75,000, Delaware ranks #38 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Delaware paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Delaware equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Delaware. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Delaware once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | +5.2% | $78,871 | $78,452 |
| Pennsylvania | −2.2% | $73,320 | $70,765 |
| New Jersey | +9.0% | $81,761 | $81,897 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −12.9% | $65,328 | $62,071 |
| Mississippi | −12.9% | $65,340 | $62,007 |
| Iowa | −12.1% | $65,948 | $62,560 |
| Oklahoma | −12.0% | $66,009 | $63,339 |
| California | +10.9% | $83,200 | $85,213 |
| Hawaii | +10.2% | $82,622 | $84,943 |
| Washington, DC | +10.1% | $82,584 | $83,770 |
| Texas | −2.8% | $72,933 | $67,183 |
| Florida | +3.6% | $77,710 | $72,406 |
| New York | +8.1% | $81,096 | $82,111 |
Moving from Delaware to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Delaware expensive to live in?
Delaware has a price level of 99.8 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are about the same as the national average. It ranks #32 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Delaware?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $74,856 in Delaware before taxes. After Delaware taxes, $75,000 takes home $57,684 — worth $57,794 at U.S.-average prices, #38 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Delaware?
Delaware's housing price level is 102.0, meaning rents are 2.0% above the national average. Goods are 96.2 and utilities 103.8.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Pennsylvania (price level 97.6, −2.2% vs Delaware). A $75,000 Delaware salary is equivalent to $70,765 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.