B+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
2%
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 Wilmington Delaware National
Cost of living103108100
Goods & Services106104100
Groceries106102100
Health care107103100
Housing98121100
Transportation108102100
Utilities9298100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Wilmington, DE

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Wilmington 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 Wilmington is 103, which is 3% higher 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.

The cost of living in Wilmington is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Wilmington Affordable?

Is Wilmington affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Wilmington, the median home price is 6.1% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 8.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Wilmington boasting a median household income of $45,139, 18.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wilmington?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Wilmington, the transportation index is 8% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Wilmington, the housing index is 1.7% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Wilmington cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wilmington is 5% lower than the Delaware average
  • The cost of living in Wilmington is 3% higher than the national average
  • Wilmington housing is 2% lower than the national average
  • Delaware general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • Delaware state income tax is 15% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Wilmington

See all the best places to live around Wilmington

Compare Wilmington, DE Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      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$67,703$5,642$1,580$2,031
      Renters$30,024$2,502$701$901
      The affordability of the housing market in Wilmington, DE as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Wilmington homeowners, the median income is $67,703. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,580 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $30,024. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $701 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Delaware Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Delaware 0% 0%

      Delaware Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Delaware 2.2% 6.6%

      Goods & Services

      Item Wilmington National avg. Difference
      Haircut $30.14$24.2624.2%
      Beauty Salon $47.42$45.564.1%
      Toothpaste $3.61$3.702.4%
      Shampoo $1.41$1.2810.4%
      Movie $12.71$12.134.7%
      Bowling $19.50$18.008.3%

      Groceries

      Item Wilmington National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.73$5.841.9%
      Fried Chicken $1.52$1.573.6%
      Milk $4.81$4.673.0%
      Potatoes $5.40$4.939.5%
      Pizza $11.33$12.096.2%
      Beer $11.96$10.4114.8%

      Health Care

      Item Wilmington National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $113.67$125.689.6%
      Doctor $149.53$135.7810.1%
      Dentist $132.28$113.2916.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.94$10.652.7%
      Lipitor $438.67$468.606.4%

      Housing

      Item Wilmington National avg. Difference
      Home Price $173,500.00$184,700.006.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,192.51$2,346.696.6%
      Apartment Rent $1,030.00$949.008.5%

      Transportation

      Item Wilmington National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.50$3.461.0%
      Tire Balancing $74.86$59.9224.9%

      Utilities

      Item Wilmington National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $173.73$193.9910.4%
      Phone $182.79$192.254.9%
      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.
      Cheyney University, PA1941044.4%
      Prospect Park CDP, PA2248217.9%
      Salem, NJ4,7618812.4%
      Chester, PA33,8558910.6%
      Marcus Hook, PA2,334919.0%
      Wilmington, DE70,6551032.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Charles, MO70,650990.7%
      North Richland Hills, TX70,58511110.9%
      Saint John, NB70,776n/a 
      Casas Adobes, AZ70,51611110.7%
      Canton, OH70,8638217.7%
      Wilmington, DE70,6551032.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.