Delaware
South · Capital: Dover · Tax-free shopping, corporate haven, and quiet beaches.
Population
1.0M
Median Home
$360K
Median Rent
$1,450/mo
Avg Salary
$64,000
Income Tax
6.6%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Delaware
Delaware punches far above its size as the corporate capital of America — more than a million businesses are legally registered here thanks to its business-friendly Court of Chancery and laws. For residents, the biggest perk is everyday life: there's no sales tax at all, and property taxes are among the lowest in the country.
Wilmington anchors a banking and financial-services economy, while the southern beaches around Rehoboth draw retirees and summer crowds. The state's small size means limited big-city amenities, but its position between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C. keeps everything within reach.
Region
South
Capital
Dover
Homeownership
71%
Unemployment
4%
Top cities
Wilmington
Population 71K
Banking and legal hub on the Delaware River.
Dover
Population 39K
State capital and home to an Air Force base.
Newark
Population 31K
University of Delaware college town.
Rehoboth Beach
Population 1K
Popular tax-free beach resort and dining scene.
Middletown
Population 24K
One of the fastest-growing towns in the state.
Milford
Population 12K
Quiet riverfront town near the southern coast.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Delaware's overall cost index is 108 — a high cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$360K
Median Rent
$1,450/mo
Property Tax
0.57%
Homeowners
71%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | High cost | $1,825/mo |
| Dover | Moderate cost | $1,450/mo |
| Newark | High cost | $1,825/mo |
| Rehoboth Beach | High cost | $1,825/mo |
| Middletown | Moderate cost | $1,450/mo |
About 71% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 0.57% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Delaware
Explore Delaware vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- JPMorgan Chase
- DuPont
- Christiana Care
- Bank of America
Unemployment
4%
Remote-friendly
Moderate
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Delaware public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Wilmington area schools, Dover area schools, Newark area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Delaware
- Delaware State University
- Wesley College
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- ChristianaCare Newark Campus
- Bayhealth Kent General
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Wilmington. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
40/100
Transit
DART buses and SEPTA regional rail serve the north, but most residents drive.
I-75, I-85, and I-10 link fast-growing metros across the region. Average one-way commute is about 23 minutes; walkability scores near 40/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Philadelphia
American Airlines hub (nearby)
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid subtropical with warm summers, mild winters, and pleasant coastal breezes.
Taxes
State income tax
6.6%
State sales tax
0%
Property tax
0.57%
State income tax: 6.6%. Statewide sales tax is 0% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 0.57% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
60 days to register, 60 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$110
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Growing
Best for founders
Selective
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $110. Startup resources include the Dover Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Delaware.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Wilmington and Dover. Rates track the state's high cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Firefly Music Festival
Major multi-day music festival held in Dover.
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
Beloved autumn jazz weekend at the shore.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
A mix of Methodist, Catholic, and Baptist congregations reflecting its mid-Atlantic heritage.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Wilmington and Dover are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Wilmington has a significant African American community and growing Latino and Caribbean populations.
The honest take on Delaware
Pros
- No sales tax at all
- Low property taxes
- Central to the mid-Atlantic corridor
Cons
- Limited big-city amenities
- Coastal flooding risk
- Higher income tax
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