It can be quite a challenge to find an affordable home.
If you’re contemplating moving to Delaware, you should know that the average cost of a home in the state is $258,000.
When you factor in property taxes and other costs, purchasing a home can be costly and challenging.
But there’s no need to worry just yet.
This guide will present you with some of the cheapest towns in Delaware to live in.
Hopefully, this will make your search more helpful and give you more bang for your buck.
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16 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Delaware
1. Seaford
Seaford tops the list of the most affordable cities to live in.
The population here is 8.055, and the average cost of rent is $1,064.
Seaford has the lowest cost of housing compared to other towns in the state.
If you decide to move to Seaford, you can take advantage of many wonderful attractions
In the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the Nanticoke Riverfest, which attracts tourists from all over.
2. Wilmington
Wilmington, Delaware, also made the list as one of the cheapest cities to reside in.
The average cost of rent is $1,157, and the population is 71,034.
It is known as the second-most affordable town in the state.
It is also known for having a cost-of-living index score of 101.
Wilmington is located between the Delaware and Christina Rivers.
Besides the cost of housing being relatively affordable here, there’s also a lot to do, including visiting the Delaware Children’s Museum and hiking along the Jack A. Markell Trail.
3. Milford
Milford is next on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in Delaware.
The average rent in Milford is $1,109.
The median income is $53,472.
There are nearly 11,714.
The town has a lot to offer residents who live here.
Milford is located between both Sussex and Kent counties.
If you’re looking for things to do in Milford, be sure to check out Abbot’s Mill Nature Center and Killens Pon Water Park.
Other attractions include Dolce, Milford Art League, and the Riverwalk.
4. Millsboro
Millsboro, DE, also made the list of the most affordable places to live in the state.
There are nearly 6,876 people who live in Millsboro.
The average rent paid here is $1,156, and the median income is $64,622.
Besides being one of the most affordable places to live, Millsboro also has a strong job market.
Millsboro is located in Sussex County and has a cost of living score of 102.
Overall, the cost of living in Millsboro is 8.9% below the state’s average.
There’s a lot to do in Millsboro, including Delaware Botanic Gardens and Cupola Park.
5. Dover
Also making the list of being one of the cheapest places to live in Delaware is Dover.
Dover has a population of 38,879 and a median income of $54,438.
The average rent paid in Dover is $1,165.
There are also plenty of affordable and fun things to do in Dover, including the Delaware Governor’s Mansion and the Johnson Victrola Museum.
These attractions are both free to visit.
You can also check out Dover Park if you live in the area.
6. Smyrna
Coming in at number six is Smyrna.
The cost of living index in Smyrna is 104.
The average rent paid is $1,396, and nearly 12,870 people live here.
The average cost of a home in Smyrna is $381,842.
Smyrna ranks 14th for having the best home cost-to-income ratio in the state.
There’s a lot to do in Smyrna, including enjoying a nice beer at Blue Earl Brewing or a nice cocktail at Painted Stave Distilling.
7. Elsmere
Elsmere also tops the list as one of the most affordable cities in Delaware.
The average rent paid here is $1,242, and the median income is $70,773.
Just about 6,200 people live in Elsmere.
Even though it’s a small town, there’s a lot to do and see.
The town is located just 45 minutes away from downtown Philadelphia, which gives residents something to do all the time if they want to get away.
Besides having easy access to a major metro area, Elsmere offers some attractions nearby, including the Augustine Wildlife Area.
8. Wilmington Manor
Wilmington Manor tops the list as one of the most affordable cities in Delaware.
The average rent paid here is $1,078.
The population of Wilmington Manor is 8,960.
The overall cost of living index in Wilmington Manor is 105.
It is located just northeast of New Castle.
There are several things for residents to do in Wilmington Manor, that are also considered affordable, including Chelsea Manor Park and Rogers Manor Park.
9. Edgemoor
The overall cost of living index in Edgemoor, Delaware, is 108, making it yet another one of the cheapest cities to live in.
The median rent here is $1,278 and the average income is $70,672.
There are nearly 6,500 residents living in Edgemoor.
In addition, the city of Edgemoor scored extremely well for healthcare, transportation, and utilities compared to other towns in the state.
There is also plenty to do around town, including Makers Alley, which makes for a perfect date night.
10. Brookside
The overall cost of living index in Brookside, Delaware, is 109.
It is number ten on the list for being one of the most affordable cities to live in.
The average rent here is $1,391, and the median income is $66,485.
It is located in New Castle County. Living expenses in Brookside are just 2.7% of Delaware’s average.
It is located just 20 minutes from Wilmington, which gives you a lot of options for attractions.
Brookside also has its list of things to do, including Vince’s Sports Center, Middle Run Valley Natural Area, and Rittenhouse Park.
11. Bear
Bear, DR, has about 24,000 people living in it.
It’s located just 15 miles from Wilmington.
The average household income is $76,920.
The average rent for a one-bedroom in Bear is $1,872.
The cost of homes in Bear is nearly $30,000 less than the average cost of a home in the state.
So, if you choose to move to Bear, you will find that there are a ton of things to do.
The city offers various parks, restaurants, and the opportunity to go boating on Becks Pond.
12. Middletown
Middletown, DE, has an average household income of $65,572, making it perfect for those looking for affordable living.
The home cost-to-income ratio is just 3.5%.
It’s an ideal town for those looking for great food and adventure.
It’s also perfect for those who enjoy nature.
Nearly everything in Middletown is budget-friendly.
There are also plenty of activities, including the Everett Theater and Charles E. Price Memorial Park.
13. Newark
Newark, Delaware, has a median household income of $58,434.
It is also considered one of the cheapest places to live in Delaware.
The home cost-to-income ratio is 4.75%.
The town is full of restaurants, coffee shops, and several beautiful parks.
It provides residents with a suburban feel but has a lot of nature to enjoy.
White Clay Creek State Park is a popular attraction among locals as it provides ample opportunity for hiking and bird watching.
14. Harrington
Also on the list of the cheapest places to live in Delaware is Harrington.
The average rent paid here is $1,350.
The cost of living compared to the state average is 4.3%.
The town of Harrington is known for having affordable housing that’s nearly 36% below the national average.
It is also known for horse racing, casinos, and various historical sites.
Harrington is also home to Delaware’s State Fair.
15. Laurel
Laurel is known for farming and lumbering.
But those aren’t the only two things Laurel is known for.
It’s also known for being an affordable city to live in.
The average rent paid in Laurel is $1,100.
The cost of living compared to the state average is 4.4%.
It was given the nickname “The Steamboat Capital of the World.”
Typical expenses in the city are 8.7% below the national average.
Laurel is both charming and breathtaking.
There are a lot of historical sites in town, including the Laurel Heritage Museum and the Bethel Museum.
16. Delmar
Last on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Delaware is Delmar.
The cost of living compared to the state’s average is 4.4%.
The average rent paid in Delmar is $1,650.
It is an affordable town that is known for strawberries.
It’s ideal for those who consider themselves outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition, necessities and everyday expenses in Delmar are low.
This is a town that you can live comfortably in.
Delaware Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Delaware Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall cost of living in Delaware?
The cost of living in Delaware is 4% above the national average.
Housing is also 4% above the national average, but utilities are 4% below.
Necessities, including groceries, food, and clothing, are about 6% higher than the national average.
In addition, healthcare services are 4% higher in the state compared to the national average.
Does Delaware have any housing assistance programs?
Delaware does have a rental program known as the Delaware State Rental Assistance Program, which was first brought into law in 2011.
It is a government-run program and was created for those who are eligible to receive such services.
This program does provide those who qualify with affordable housing in safe communities.
Why is Wilmington, DE, so cheap?
Wilmington is known as being one of the most affordable places to live in Delaware but for a very good reason.
Wilmington has one of the lowest costs for rent.
In addition, there are no sales taxes in Delaware.
Not only does it top the list for being an affordable town in the state, but it’s also known as being one of the cheapest places to live in the country.
