Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Delaware's overall cost of living index is about 101.1, just above the national baseline, driven mainly by housing costs while taxes remain low since the state has no sales tax.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 99.8 | 100 |
- •Delaware is one of only five U.S. states with no statewide sales tax.
Housing Costs
Housing costs are the biggest driver of Delaware's cost of living, with a median home value of $382,000 and median rent of $1,435, both above national medians.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 102 | 100 |
- •Coastal Sussex County towns like Rehoboth Beach post some of Delaware's highest housing costs.
Utility Costs
Delaware households pay an average electricity rate of about 15.6 cents per kWh, close to the national average, with natural gas supplying roughly 88% of the state's electricity generation.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS12B72610).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 103.8 | 100 |
| Electricity rate (¢/kWh) | 15.6 | 16.2 |
- •Delaware has set a target of 40% renewable electricity generation by 2035.
Food Costs
Food costs in Delaware track close to the national average, with an estimated food cost index near 100, reflecting the state's access to Mid-Atlantic supply chains.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.2 | 100 |
- •Delaware charges no sales tax on groceries or any retail goods statewide.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Delaware run near the national average, though the state's aging population (21.0% age 65+) contributes to steady demand for medical services.
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare cost index | 102 | 100 |
- •About 21% of Delaware residents are age 65 or older, above the national share.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Delaware are moderate, with average gasoline prices around $3.05 per gallon and reliance on I-95 and Amtrak for regional commuting.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Central Atlantic region (PADD 1B), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1Y_DPG).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.36 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •The Delaware Memorial Bridge and I-95 corridor carry heavy daily commuter traffic through the state.