The cost of living is a very important thing to consider when you are trying to decide where to live.

Delaware has a slightly higher cost of living when compared to the national average, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t move here, or that everywhere in Delaware is expensive. Here’s a closer look at what determines Delaware’s cost of living.

The Housing Market in Delaware

Depending on where you live, homes in Delaware can range from $194,300 all the way up to 1,017,100 when you look at the most popular places to live. This puts the median home value at about $ 277,979. About 70% of Delaware residents are homeowners. If you choose to rent a home, you can expect to pay anywhere from $929 to $1,730 each month.

Taxes

Aside from housing, taxes are another huge expense for most people. When you live in Delaware, you don’t have to pay sales tax on anything. This can lead to huge savings. Annual property taxes tend to be low, and there are tax advantages available for first-time homebuyers and retirees.

Goods and Services

The cost of goods and services like gas, eating out, groceries, salon services, car repairs, and anything else you need depends greatly on where you live in Delaware. Cities like Wilmington and Dover drive up Delaware’s average cost of living, but rural towns like Milton are far more affordable. When compared to places like New York or California, Delaware has a much lower cost of living. If you live in Delaware, you can expect to pay more for travel, as the state offers no international airports. There is also no central public transportation system, so you will need to pay to own a vehicle.

Things to Do

Even if you’re on a budget, you can still have fun in Delaware. There are plenty of free and low-cost things to do here. You can explore state and local parks, enjoy the beaches, walk the boardwalk, and browse the countless shops, markets, and antique stores Delaware has to offer. Most of Delaware’s museums are free, especially in the lower part of the state. Fishing, crabbing, clamming, swimming, and kayaking can be enjoyed for little to no cost in Delaware.

This article was written in collaboration between Delaware Beaches Online and Aurora Homes.