Delaware is a small state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, located between major cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Delaware is so famous for its historical landmarks, chemical manufacturing, clean beaches, and the last one – being a tax-friendly state.
In other words, Delaware is one of the five states in the United States that do not impose a state sales tax.
Everything said sounds perfect, but in this post, we will analyze the cost of living and which cities are the most expensive in this state.
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The Cost of Living in Delaware
Compared to the United States as a whole, the cost of living in Delaware is $1708, which is 1.04 times less expensive than the average in the States.
Delaware ranked 27th most expensive and 52nd the best state to live in the United States.
Yet, from housing, renting, utilities, food, health care, transportation, and other different costs, there’s much that accords to discovering a state’s cost of living.
Below, we will take a complete look at individual parts that determine the cost of living in Delaware.
Housing and Utility Costs
Housing is one of the significant components of the cost of living.
In Delaware, the typical home is worth $244,700, or $39,800 more than the national average home value of $204,900.
On the other hand, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $886, while the typical rent for a unit with five or more bedrooms is $1,646.
Furthermore, the Internet rate is $55.00 (60 Mbps), the cable is $100.00, and the water is $40.00.
On average, the total cost of utilities per month in Delaware is $421.99, while the national average is $422.08.
Food Costs
In Delaware, a single adult spends an average of $3,336 on food annually, and a family of four spends $9,634 on average.
For example, ground beef in supermarkets costs around $4.31 to $4.33, a regular bottle of fresh milk is $2.00 to $2.13, and potatoes are between $4.12 and $4.21.
As for fast food, fried chicken costs around $1.31 to $1.72, while pizza is around $10.24, which is less than a dollar higher than the national average of $9.89.
Transportation Costs
Transportation is known as a vital part of the cost of living.
In Delaware, 89.2% of commuters drive to work, compared to 85.5% of commuters nationwide.
The average gas price in Delaware ranges from $2.17 to $2.20, slightly lower than the national average of $2.24.
Other transportation costs, like car insurance premiums, can differ by state.
In Delaware, the average car insurance premium is $1,620.
Health Care Costs
In general, healthcare in Delaware costs lower than the national average.
For instance, a visit to a general medical doctor is around $84.33 to $87.50.
A dental check-up ranges from $84.61 to $107.42, while the national average is $92.53.
However, a consultation with an optometrist would be more expensive in this state, ranging from $114.17 to $129.00.
We can sum up that average health care costs for a single adult in the state total $5,114 per year.
As for a family of four, the average annual health care costs total $15,466 per year.
Shopping Costs
Shopping in Delaware is about as expensive as it is on average across the U.S. as a whole.
But, here shopping is legendary, thanks to outlet centers that are among the largest in the region.
For example, one Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) is around $44.57, while one pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) is $70.00.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Cost of living changes based on where you’re located in the state of Delaware.
Here are the top five most expensive cities in Delaware.
Bethany Beach
The cost of living in Bethany Beach is 36% higher than the Delaware average, while 53% higher than the national average.
Bethany Beach housing is 159% higher than the national average.
For example, the average home value is incredibly $509,400.
As for health care, for a single adult, average health care costs come out to $5,314 per year, compared to an average of $5,114 across Delaware.
Wilmington
It is very often said that in Wilmington, everyone can make a difference.
That is because here, there are opportunities for everyone to make an impact on the community.
Wilmington is a warm city where people of all backgrounds and talents are welcome.
But, what about the actual cost of living in this city?
The monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in a central area is $968, which is high-priced.
As for transportation, a liter of gas is $0.64.
Therefore, a monthly ticket for public transport is $83.
Millville
The average income in Millville comes in at $68,816, and the average home value is $334,500.
This city seems to be in the top five most expensive cities in this state.
For instance, dinner in a restaurant for once people could cost you $15.
Also, renting an apartment has an enormous price.
One-bedroom apartment in Downtown, 40 m2 for rent and utilities included are $1786.
As for local transport, prices for a one-way Ticket (Local Transport) are $2.00.
Besides, one ticket to the cinema can cost you more than $13.
Middletown
The cost of living in Middletown is 6 percent higher than the Delaware average.
Let’s see the total cost of housing, child and health care, food, transportation, and taxes.
All of that mentioned above, for a single adult in Middletown, is $35,425 a year.
As for renting, an apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre is from $1,150.00 up.
On the other side, an apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of the Centre can be found for $900.00.
In this city, there is plenty of outlets mall, but the prices are not so reasonable.
For example, one pair of leather shoes for men is $70 up, and a dress for women (H&M or similar) is more than $30.
Bear
All the beauties and spoils of Bear come at a cost, and it is so required if you decide to live here.
The most expensive part of living in this city are utilities and transportation costs.
So, only a one-way bus ticket can cost you $4, while a monthly pass is from $80 up.
As for other costs, we can say that they are approximately the same compared to the cities mentioned before.
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
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in Connecticut Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Minnesota Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Ohio Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Alaska Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in California Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Missouri Cities: These Are the Top 5
I am unsure of the year this was posted but I think gas is much higher than written here.