Delaware Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 3 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$1,295/mo
Average Home Value
$324,567
Average Owner Cost
$1,308/mo
County cost atlas
Delaware housing costs by county
Compare rent, entry-price context, owner costs, and cost score in one state view. Pin a county, switch layers, then open the full county profile when a place needs closer review.
Counties
3
Avg rent
$1,295/mo
Owner cost
$1,308/mo
Avg score
13.5
Higher means lower cost pressure
Atlas layers use U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Rent, owner cost, and home value are county medians. Cost score rewards lower rent and lower owner costs, but affordability still depends on income, household size, commute, debt, and personal finances. Use this as decision context, not personalized financial advice.
State Cost Summary
Use these state averages as a starting point, then scan the atlas and rankings for the county-level spread behind them.
Housing Costs in Delaware: An Overview
The median rent in Delaware is $1,295 per month, which is 11% above the national median of $1,163. That is useful statewide context, but rent burden still depends on local income, household size, commute, and the county a household chooses.
Within Delaware, housing costs vary significantly by county. New Castle County has the highest median rent in this dataset at $1,379 per month and a median home value of $329,800. Sussex County has the lowest reported median rent at $1,221 per month and a median home value of $353,300.
The average home value across Delaware counties is $324,567, 15% higher than the national median of $281,900. Median household income is roughly $80,312, so home values should be read alongside local wages, financing costs, taxes, insurance, and supply.
Before comparing places in Delaware, start with the county-level pattern. Even in a smaller state, costs can vary between counties. Use the atlas, rankings, and county links below to compare rent, home values, owner costs, and rent burden before opening a specific county profile.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in Delaware
How median rents are spread across 3 counties
Highest Median Rent Counties
All Delaware Counties
Sorted by median rent, highest first. A higher cost score means lower rent and owner cost pressure within the national scoring model.
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Cost Score | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle County | Moderate$1,379/mo | $329,800 | $1,479/mo | 9.4 | 28.0% |
| Kent County | Moderate$1,285/mo | $290,600 | $1,321/mo | 12.9 | 31.0% |
| Sussex County | Moderate$1,221/mo | $353,300 | $1,125/mo | 18.3 | 31.0% |
Compare Delaware to Other States
See how Delaware counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About Delaware Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in Delaware?
What is the most expensive county to live in Delaware?
How does Delaware's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in Delaware?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Delaware, Delaware? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.