Insights » Cost of Living in Delaware: Cities Where Household Expenses are Highest and Lowest in 2024

Cost of Living in Delaware: Cities Where Household Expenses are Highest and Lowest in 2024

What is the cost of living in Delaware? doxo breaks down key insights about Delaware’s household expenses, with a close look into how bills differ between towns and cities across the state. 

According to doxo’s The Cost of Bills Index™ (COBI), the average household in Delaware pays $2,143 in monthly expenses. doxoINSIGHTS compares the cost of the ten most common household bills across different regions. This includes Utilities, Cable & Phone, Mobile Phone, Auto Loans, Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Alarm & Security, Rent, and Mortgage.

The data sheds light on Delaware’s cost of living through other metrics as well. For example, the “percent of household income” data point shows what percentage of their household income residents spend on bills each month. 

By leveraging these tools, residents can gain a clearer understanding of their household expenses and optimize their financial planning.

Delaware ranks as the 22nd most expensive state in the US for household bills

According to doxo’s COBI report, Delaware is ranked as the 22nd most expensive state in the U.S. for household bills, making it the least expensive state for these expenses. 

At $25,713 per year, Delaware’s household expenses, on average, are approximately 1% higher than the US average of $25,513. 

Absolute dollar amounts don’t tell the full story, however. doxo’s “Percentage of Household Income” data provides a more proportional look at bill spending in a particular location. Delaware households spend 31% of their income on bills. 

COBI helps consumers understand how much it costs to live in one area as compared to another as it relates to the most common household bills. For COBI, the number 100 represents the national average and then, states, counties and cities are assigned a number, either above or below 100, based on how they compare to the national average. The COBI for Delaware is 101.

• Average Bill Cost per Household: $2,143 per month
• Cost of Bills Index(COBI): 101
• doxoINSIGHTS State Rank: #22
• Percent of Household Income Used for Bills: 31%
• Compared to the National Average: 1% higher

Delaware Household Expenses are 1% Higher Than the National Average

The average Delaware household pays $2,143 per month in the 10 most common household bills. The least expensive of these are alarm and security bills. 

On the lowest end of the spectrum, the average monthly payment for alarm and security bills in Delaware is $93, compared to the national average of $85, making it approximately 8% higher than the average.

Monthly mortgage bills are the most significant of the 10 most common bills for Delaware residents. The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,508, compared to the national average of $1,402, making it 7.5% more expensive.

[h3] Average Delaware Household Bill Spending

Hockessin Has the Highest Cost of Living in Delaware for Household Bills

Residents of Hockessin pay the highest household bills in the state of Delaware, at an average of $2,815 per month. The Cost of Bills Index (COBI) for Hockessin is 132, meaning the average cost of bills in this city is 32% higher than the national average.

In proportion to household income, monthly bills in Hockessin makeup 21% of the average annual household income of $164,225.

Access detailed infographics about each city or town by clicking on the hyperlinks in the “City” column in the tables below. You can also browse doxoINSIGHTS’ regional bill comparison database to see infographics about more than 4,200 cities and towns across all 50 states in the US.

10 Most Expensive Delaware Cities for Household Bills

Laurel Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Delaware for Household Bills

Out of 23 cities, Laurel is the most affordable place in Delaware, with residents paying $1,642 on average for household bills, accounting for 37% of annual income of $53,633. The Cost of Bills Index (COBI) for Laurel is 77, meaning the average cost of bills in this city is 23% below the national average. 

Felton is the second most affordable city in Delaware, with residents paying $1,749 per month on average.

Also on the list of the 10 least expensive cities in Delaware are Seaford ($1,846), Smyrna ($1,894) and Milford ($1,897).

10 Most Affordable Delaware Cities for Household Bills

Some individuals might be considering moving from a more expensive city to a less expensive one. For those making such decisions, doxoINSIGHTS can be a valuable resource. It allows consumers to compare household expenses in Delaware with average bills in various cities and states nationwide.