Cost of Living in Delaware — Housing, Taxes & Everyday Expenses
No sales tax, corporate hub, moderate costs
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFOverview
Delaware has no sales tax, making everyday purchases more affordable. It is the corporate registration home for over 60% of Fortune 500 companies.
Housing costs
Median 1BR rent in Wilmington is approximately $1,200. Beach resort areas like Rehoboth Beach are significantly more expensive seasonally.
Tax reality
Delaware has a top income tax rate of 6.6% with no sales tax.
Everyday expenses
At a cost of living index of 103, Delaware is about 3% more expensive than the national average of 100. Delaware's no-sales-tax advantage adds up — a family spending $30,000/year on taxable goods saves approximately $2,700/year compared to a 9% sales tax state.
Salary reality in Delaware
Cost of Living in Delaware — FAQ
Does Delaware have a sales tax?
No. Delaware has no sales tax, which meaningfully reduces the cost of everyday purchases.
What is Delaware's income tax rate?
Delaware has a top income tax rate of 6.6% on income over $60,000.