Delaware • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Wilmington, Delaware

Overall cost of living: +4% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Wilmington.

Housing
-1% vs avg
Utilities
+2% vs avg
Groceries
+5% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-1% vs avg
Median Home Price
$530,922
Median Rent
$1,593 / month
Energy Bill
$225.41 / month
Phone Bill
$201.09 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$3.31 / gallon
Food & Grocery
+5% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$4.32
Gallon of Milk
$5.01
Carton of Eggs
$4.94
Bunch of Bananas
$0.81
Hamburger
$6.11
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$159.98
Dentist Visit
$128.51
Optometrist Visit
$145.71
Rx Drug
$23.16
Veterinary Visit
$76.63

Wilmington in the Context of Delaware

State Avg Cost Index100.0
State Avg Rent$1,370/mo
State Income Tax6.6%
Cities in State14

Other Cities in Delaware

About Living in Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington is located in Delaware and has an overall cost of living that is +4% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Wilmington.

Housing: Median rent in Wilmington is $1,593 / month, and the median home price is $530,922. Housing costs are -1% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.32), milk ($5.01), and eggs ($4.94) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +5% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($159.98), dentist visits ($128.51), and prescription drugs ($23.16). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Delaware has a state income tax rate of 6.6%, which affects take-home pay for Wilmington residents.

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Wilmington, Delaware Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Wilmington.

Wilmington, Delaware has an overall cost of living that is +4% the national average. Housing costs are -1% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +5% vs average. Utilities are +2% vs average. This makes Wilmington a city with costs close to national averages.
The median rent in Wilmington, Delaware is $1,593 / month. Average energy bills run $225.41 / month. Phone bills average $201.09 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Wilmington: doctor's visit averages $159.98, dentist visit averages $128.51, prescription drugs average $23.16. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +5% grocery cost difference.
Wilmington is one of 14 cities tracked in Delaware. With an overall cost +4% vs the national average, it tends to be pricier than some smaller communities. Visit our Delaware state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Wilmington offers cost of living +4% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $530,922, rent of $1,593 / month, and a state income tax of 6.6% in Delaware. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Wilmington fits your budget.