Cost of living in Delaware: Affordable housing options available nearby cities. Competitive property tax rates advantage. Utilities costs generally below national average. No state sales tax saving potential. Moderate healthcare expenses overall consistency. Lower-than-average transportation costs advantage. Diverse dining options for all budgets. Staying affordable groceries consistently competitive. Entertainment options for various price ranges. Reasonable childcare costs compared nationally.
Affordable housing options available nearby cities.
Delaware offers several affordable housing options, with cities like Harrington, New Castle, and Delmar standing out for their lower-than-average housing costs, ranging from median house rents of $1,200 to $1,750 and median home values between $259,185 and $317,145, making them highly affordable compared to national averages. For comprehensive insights on such housing options and other cost-effective living areas, you can explore more about the Cheapest Places to Live in Delaware through detailed resources and analysis.
Competitive property tax rates advantage.
Delaware boasts one of the lowest property tax rates in the U.S., ranking seventh lowest, with an average effective property tax rate of 0.53%, making it an attractive option for homeowners due to its low tax burden and affordable Cost of Living. This financial advantage makes Delaware an appealing place for potential residents looking to maximize their home investment while minimizing expenses.
Utilities costs generally below national average.
Utilities in Delaware are generally 3% lower than the national average, with monthly energy bills in cities like Wilmington and Dover reflecting this trend. To get more detailed insights about the cost of living, you can visit the RentCafe Cost of Living Calculator, which offers a comprehensive breakdown of expenses in various areas. This valuable resource helps residents and potential movers to understand and plan their budgets effectively, highlighting the state's affordability in terms of utility expenses.
No state sales tax saving potential.
Delaware's absence of state and local sales tax provides significant savings for consumers, as they do not have to pay additional taxes on their purchases. This tax advantage makes it an attractive destination for shopping and greatly increases consumers' purchasing power. To learn more about these benefits, you can visit the Tax Defense Network website.
Moderate healthcare expenses overall consistency.
Healthcare expenses in Delaware are notably 3% higher than the national average. Despite proactive efforts to establish spending benchmarks, healthcare spending has consistently surpassed these targets. This pattern includes a significant rise in per capita healthcare spending, which saw a 6.3% increase in 2022. For more detailed insights into living costs, including healthcare expenses, visit the RentCafe Cost of Living Calculator.
Lower-than-average transportation costs advantage.
In Delaware, transportation costs are relatively manageable, with an average gas price slightly above the national average. However, the state's small size and well-developed Transportation Infrastructure effectively keep commute times and fuel expenses lower than in larger states. The average motorist drives approximately 10,936 miles a year, spending about $1,026 on gas annually. These advantageous factors make Delaware an attractive option for those looking to maintain lower living costs through reduced transportation expenses.
Diverse dining options for all budgets.
Delaware offers a diverse range of dining options to fit all budgets, from budget-friendly casual eateries and pizza joints to mid-priced restaurants serving various ethnic cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Thai, Mexican, and Italian, as well as upscale dining establishments. For more information on the best dining experiences along the coast, check out the Delaware Beaches Guide for the latest insights and recommendations.
Staying affordable groceries consistently competitive.
Despite overall high costs of living in Delaware, the state has seen a slight decrease in grocery prices, with a -0.1% decrease in the past year, making groceries relatively more affordable compared to other states. For more insights into how grocery prices are shifting in the region, visit the Fox 29 News website for detailed analysis and updates.
Entertainment options for various price ranges.
Delaware offers a wide range of entertainment options for various price ranges, including free or "pay what you wish" museum visits, affordable classical music performances by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and budget-friendly festivals like the Firefly Music Festival, where volunteering can provide free admission.
Reasonable childcare costs compared nationally.
In Delaware, the annual cost of infant care averages $14,995, and care for a 4-year-old averages $12,084, which is relatively high compared to national standards. According to Procare Software, child care workers often spend over 50% of their salary on infant care for their own children, highlighting the financial strain on families in the region.