A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
5%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Delaware Ohio National
Cost of living9892100
Goods & Services94100100
Groceries104101100
Health care8598100
Housing10573100
Transportation90100100
Utilities9599100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Delaware, OH

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Delaware is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Delaware is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Delaware, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Delaware will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Delaware Affordable?

Is Delaware affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Delaware, for instance, where the median home price falls 7% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 1.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Delaware flaunting a median household income of $74,130, 34% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Delaware?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Delaware, the transportation index is 9.7% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Delaware, the utilities index registers at 4.7% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Delaware, the groceries index is 3.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Delaware, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Delaware is 6% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Delaware is 2% lower than the national average
  • Delaware housing is 5% higher than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Delaware

See all the best places to live around Delaware

Compare Delaware, OH Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$92,615$7,718$2,161$2,779
      Renters$43,164$3,597$1,007$1,295
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Delaware, OH, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Delaware, homeowners have a median income of $92,615. Using that number, a maximum of $2,161 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $43,164, which means there is a maximum of $1,007 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 2.76% 3.99%

      Goods & Services

      Item Delaware National avg. Difference
      Haircut $21.46$24.2611.5%
      Beauty Salon $42.47$45.566.8%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.4%
      Shampoo $1.32$1.282.8%
      Movie $12.00$12.131.1%
      Bowling $19.07$18.005.9%

      Groceries

      Item Delaware National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.63$5.843.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.61$1.572.6%
      Milk $4.76$4.671.8%
      Potatoes $5.24$4.936.2%
      Pizza $11.49$12.094.9%
      Beer $10.68$10.412.6%

      Health Care

      Item Delaware National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $65.99$125.6847.5%
      Doctor $117.73$135.7813.3%
      Dentist $89.30$113.2921.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.68$10.650.3%
      Lipitor $475.58$468.601.5%

      Housing

      Item Delaware National avg. Difference
      Home Price $197,600.00$184,700.007.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,862.49$2,346.6920.6%
      Apartment Rent $963.00$949.001.5%

      Transportation

      Item Delaware National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.2%
      Tire Balancing $41.79$59.9230.3%

      Utilities

      Item Delaware National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $182.76$193.995.8%
      Phone $186.03$192.253.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kilbourne, OH14955.3%
      Radnor, OH131955.3%
      Waldo, OH3628217.9%
      Cardington, OH1,5718415.6%
      Magnetic Springs, OH3498514.5%
      Delaware, OH41,818982.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Spring Hill, TN41,79711514.6%
      Apache Junction, AZ41,863991.0%
      Bell Gardens, CA41,77013939.0%
      Timmins, ON41,763n/a 
      Midland, MI41,922964.2%
      Delaware, OH41,818982.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.