Delaware Cost of Living 2026
The cost of living in Delaware (DE) has an overall index of 103.1 (100 = national average), making it moderately more expensive than the national average. Use the calculator below to compare Delaware to any other state and see how far your dollar goes.
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Delaware Cost of Living Breakdown
Here is how Delaware compares to the national average across major spending categories. An index above 100 means the category is more expensive than average, while below 100 means it is more affordable.
| Category | Delaware | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.1 | 100.0 | +3.1 |
| Housing | 101.5 | 100.0 | +1.5 |
| Groceries | 104.6 | 100.0 | +4.6 |
| Transportation | 103.2 | 100.0 | +3.2 |
| Healthcare | 107.8 | 100.0 | +7.8 |
| Utilities | 108.3 | 100.0 | +8.3 |
Key Takeaways for Delaware
- Housing (101.5): Housing costs are slightly above the national average. Look for areas within Delaware where housing may be more affordable.
- Groceries (104.6): Grocery prices are close to the national average with minimal impact on your budget.
- Transportation (103.2): Transportation costs are near the national average.
- Healthcare (107.8): Healthcare costs are above average. Factor in higher insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs when budgeting.
- Utilities (108.3): Utility costs are near the national average.
Biggest Factor in Delaware
The most expensive category in Delaware relative to national averages is Utilities at an index of 108.3, while the most affordable is Housing at 101.5.
Cost of Living by ZIP Code in Delaware
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