Cost of Living in Wilmington, DE
Population 71,124 · Delaware · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wilmington lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $225,000 — 26% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Delaware. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Wilmington is about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Philadelphia's $232,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wilmington
The median home value in Wilmington is $224,500 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,187/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,269/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, 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, Wilmington has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.
🏠 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 Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Wilmington, DE?
The median gross rent in Wilmington is $1,187 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wilmington?
The median home value in Wilmington is $224,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wilmington?
The median household income in Wilmington is $55,269 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wilmington, DE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wilmington is 0.0%. The Delaware state income tax top rate is 6.6%.
Is Wilmington, DE affordable?
Yes, Wilmington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
Wilmington at a Glance
- Population
- 71,124
- Median Income
- $55,269
- Home Value
- $224,500
- Median Rent
- $1,187/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Delaware Rankings
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