Delaware's cost of living index is 103 — 3.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
103
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+3.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$69,110
Delaware median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$67,097
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 103 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +3.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $69,110 | Delaware median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $67,097 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 989,948 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 103, Delaware is roughly on par with the national average. Higher costs in Delaware mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $69,110 in Delaware provides the equivalent purchasing power of $67,097 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Delaware's median home price of $340,000 is near the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (6.6% top rate in Delaware), sales tax (no state sales tax), and local property tax rates (0.57%).
