Delaware is known as the First State, and it makes sense that this could be your first destination for retirement. There are many reasons why someone would want to move there. It's an iconic piece of US history, and it's a state with some moderate weather. In addition, it's a state with low taxes, meaning that you might be able to have a peaceful retirement without having to pay Uncle Sam too much. However, what is the cost of living compared to the rest of the US? We'll look at Delaware's cost of living in the next section, so stay tuned.
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The cost of living in Delaware is about 8 points higher than the national average. Groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous costs are the big reasons this state can be expensive. However, the cost of housing is about 7 points less than the average, and the median home cost is less. Despite its low housing, rent costs are more than the average, so that's something to consider if you don't want to buy a home. In any state, the living costs can be determined by where in the state you're considering moving. So with careful research, you could have an affordable retirement.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
Browse by city
Hand-picked from our directory
Caregivers who come to you
Dover, DE
4.4 · 67 reviews
Lewes, DE
4.6 · 45 reviews
Wilmington, DE
4.6 · 37 reviews
Bear, DE
5.0 · 13 reviews
Wilmington, DE
4.9 · 9 reviews
Smyrna, DE
4.8 · 9 reviews
Local pricing
Median monthly cost of assisted living, sourced from public data. Actual community pricing varies by apartment size, level of care, and amenities.
| City | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Bear | $6,113.00 |
| Bethany Beach | $6,010.00 |
| Bethel | $6,010.00 |
| Bridgeville | $6,010.00 |
| Camden Wyoming | $6,010.00 |
| Cheswold | $5,955.00 |
| Claymont | $5,928.00 |
| Clayton | $5,272.00 |
| Dagsboro | $4,999.00 |
| Delaware City | $4,917.00 |
| Delmar | $4,917.00 |
| Dover | $4,887.00 |
| Dover Afb | $4,753.00 |
| Ellendale | $4,521.00 |
| Felton | $4,370.00 |
| Fenwick Island | $4,261.00 |
| Frankford | $4,020.00 |
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