Cost of Living in Laurel, DE
Population 4,043 · Delaware · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Laurel run well below national norms — a median of $44,593 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $193,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Laurel lies roughly 75 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Baltimore — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Baltimore's $219,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laurel
The median home value in Laurel is $192,700 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $924/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,593/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Delaware's top state income tax rate is 6.6% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. Overall, Laurel has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
Laurel has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Laurel, DE?
Laurel has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Laurel, DE?
The median gross rent in Laurel is $924 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $192,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel is $44,593 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laurel, DE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laurel is 0.0%. The Delaware state income tax top rate is 6.6%.
Is Laurel, DE affordable?
Yes, Laurel is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
Laurel at a Glance
- Population
- 4,043
- Median Income
- $44,593
- Home Value
- $192,700
- Median Rent
- $924/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.1%
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Delaware Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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