Cost of Living in Delaware
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 79 cities in DE. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Delaware is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Delaware, with comparisons to national averages.
Delaware's average home value of $378,041 is 54% above the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $83,786, and average monthly rent is $1,115.
Most Affordable Cities in Delaware
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elsmere | $210,200 | $1,305/mo | $76,378 | 6,189 |
| 2 | Wilmington Manor | $220,400 | $1,120/mo | $72,346 | 8,030 |
| 3 | Seaford | $223,700 | $1,148/mo | $51,120 | 8,255 |
| 4 | Wilmington | $224,500 | $1,187/mo | $55,269 | 71,124 |
| 5 | Dover | $248,500 | $1,252/mo | $58,336 | 39,491 |
| 6 | New Castle | $262,100 | $1,675/mo | $92,565 | 5,519 |
| 7 | Claymont | $262,900 | $1,290/mo | $75,808 | 9,543 |
| 8 | Brookside | $264,800 | $1,381/mo | $72,031 | 15,262 |
| 9 | Georgetown | $266,100 | $1,333/mo | $47,423 | 7,456 |
| 10 | Smyrna | $273,400 | $1,398/mo | $70,473 | 13,031 |
| 11 | Milford | $274,600 | $1,182/mo | $55,265 | 12,193 |
| 12 | Bear | $280,200 | $1,676/mo | $88,985 | 22,604 |
| 13 | Edgemoor | $291,000 | $1,412/mo | $79,572 | 6,671 |
| 14 | Millsboro | $297,000 | $1,207/mo | $77,750 | 7,152 |
| 15 | Pike Creek Valley | $299,500 | $1,602/mo | $93,896 | 11,992 |
Most Expensive Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Star | $566,500 | $0/mo | $167,664 | 8,178 |
| 2 | Hockessin | $550,200 | $2,980/mo | $172,695 | 13,608 |
| 3 | Pike Creek | $414,700 | $2,294/mo | $135,703 | 7,185 |
| 4 | Middletown | $399,500 | $1,567/mo | $115,252 | 24,071 |
| 5 | Newark | $357,600 | $1,611/mo | $71,373 | 30,309 |
| 6 | Glasgow | $346,200 | $1,821/mo | $109,803 | 16,095 |
| 7 | Pike Creek Valley | $299,500 | $1,602/mo | $93,896 | 11,992 |
| 8 | Millsboro | $297,000 | $1,207/mo | $77,750 | 7,152 |
| 9 | Edgemoor | $291,000 | $1,412/mo | $79,572 | 6,671 |
| 10 | Bear | $280,200 | $1,676/mo | $88,985 | 22,604 |
Highest Income Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hockessin | $172,695 | $550,200 | 13,608 |
| 2 | North Star | $167,664 | $566,500 | 8,178 |
| 3 | Pike Creek | $135,703 | $414,700 | 7,185 |
| 4 | Middletown | $115,252 | $399,500 | 24,071 |
| 5 | Glasgow | $109,803 | $346,200 | 16,095 |
| 6 | Pike Creek Valley | $93,896 | $299,500 | 11,992 |
| 7 | New Castle | $92,565 | $262,100 | 5,519 |
| 8 | Bear | $88,985 | $280,200 | 22,604 |
| 9 | Edgemoor | $79,572 | $291,000 | 6,671 |
| 10 | Millsboro | $77,750 | $297,000 | 7,152 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Delaware
What is the average cost of living in Delaware?
The average median home value across Delaware cities is $378,041, with average rent of $1,115/month. The average median household income is $83,786.
What are the cheapest cities in Delaware?
The most affordable cities in Delaware by home value include Elsmere ($210,200), Wilmington Manor ($220,400), Seaford ($223,700).
What is the most expensive city in Delaware?
The most expensive city in Delaware is North Star with a median home value of $566,500.
How does Delaware compare to the national average?
Delaware's average home value of $378,041 is above the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $1,115/month is below the US average of $1,163.