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.
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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
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Guides for families
Resource library
The enhanced premium tax credits that held down Affordable Care Act premiums from 2021 through 2025 have expired, and Congress has not renewed them for 2027. The 400 percent subsidy cliff is back, and adults 50 to 64 face the steepest increases. Here is what changed and what to do during open enrollment.
Resource library
If you claim Social Security early and keep working, 2027 lets you earn more before any benefit is held back. The under-full-retirement-age limit rises to $25,560 a year. Here is how the earnings test works, what counts as earnings, and why the money that is withheld is not actually gone.
Resource library
For two years, a federal program quietly held down the premiums on stand-alone Medicare drug plans. It ends with the 2027 plan year, which is why some Part D premiums could jump more this Open Enrollment than they have recently. Here is what changed, who is affected, and how to protect your drug costs before December 7.
Savings
No agency pays a $3,000 senior benefit; the figure is an SSI asset limit that got repackaged. Here are the programs that do exist, who qualifies, what to have ready, and where to get free help applying.
Savings
Find affordable lawn care for seniors through volunteer groups, local assistance programs, and competitive quotes. Learn how to request discounts and reduce ongoing yard maintenance costs.
Savings
Fifteen senior discounts and memberships that are actually published, with the age, the price and the fine print for each, plus which store discounts are real only if your local branch says so.
More beyond care: all savings guides and all buying guides.
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