Delaware attracts Americans from all over. And there are good reasons why: cheaper houses, quality education, and affordable cost of living. You can’t go wrong with the Diamond State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $400,000. Harrington’s cost of living is 4.3% lower than the state average, and Dover is 4.3% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy New Castle’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $267K. Meanwhile, Magnolia offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $410,956.
Cheapest Places to Live in Delaware in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Delaware. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Harrington | $259,185 | $1,200 | 4.3% lower ⬇️ | $62,639 | 3,860 |
| 2. New Castle | $267,471 | $1,580 | 0.6% higher ⬆️ | $95,884 | 5,549 |
| 3. Laurel | $295,523 | $1,295 | 4.4% lower ⬇️ | $34,615 | 4,275 |
| 4. Seaford | $302,703 | $1,695 | 1% lower ⬇️ | $49,469 | 8,735 |
| 5. Wilmington | $309,840 | $1,706 | 0.6% higher ⬆️ | $54,731 | 71,675 |
| 6. Delmar | $317,145 | $785 | 2% lower ⬇️ | $49,130 | 2,216 |
| 7. Dover | $322,518 | $1,750 | 4.3% lower ⬇️ | $54,438 | 39,894 |
| 8. Magnolia | $410,956 | $2,000 | 1.0% lower ⬇️ | $62,500 | 285 |
| 9. Smyrna | $394,015 | $1,775 | 1.0% lower ⬇️ | $68,260 | 13,277 |
| 10. Camden | $379,467 | $2,000 | 1.0% lower ⬇️ | $60,549 | 4,188 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Delaware
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Diamond State:
#1 Harrington
- Median house rent is $1,200 | Rental prices range between $1,200 and $1,400.
- Median home value of Harrington is $259,185.
- Cost of living in Harrington is 4.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 popular zips in Harrington, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
Harrington is an affordable place to live in Delaware. It also offers housing which is 35.6% lower than the national average. The city is also in close proximity to major cities like New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Additionally, the city boasts horse racing, a casino, historical sites, and even hosts Delaware’s State Fair. This provides residents with diverse cultural and entertainment opportunities.
» Harrington Homes for Sale: Find a cheap home for sale in Delaware.
#2 New Castle
- Median house rent is $1,580 | Rental prices range between $1,275 and $2,975.
- Median home value of New Castle is $267,471.
- Cost of living in New Castle is 0.6% higher than the state average.
- 3 popular zips in New Castle, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
New Castle is one of the most budget-friendly places with affordable housing which is 23.1% lower than the national average. The city also offers green parks and scenic walking trails along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, ideal for retirees. Apart from this, the city is home to top employers such as HBCS and Prince Telecom for job opportunities.
»New Castle Homes for Sale: Browse cheap houses for sale in Delaware.
#3 Laurel
- Median house rent is $1,295 | Rental prices range between $1,295 and $2,000.
- Median home value of Laurel is $295,523.
- Cost of living in Laurel is 4.4% higher than the state average.
- 3 popular zips in Laurel, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
Often referred to as the ‘The Steamboat Capital of the World,’ Laurel’s average expenses on transportation are 8.7% lower than the national average. The city boasts housing costs cheaper. Compared to the national average it is 15.4% lower. Also, the city boasts job opportunities for job seekers. With employers like SMW Sales, LLC and L & J Sheet Metal in manufacturing sectors.
»Laurel Homes for Sale: Browse cheap houses for sale in Delaware.
#4 Seaford
- Median house rent is $1,695 | Rental prices range between $1,100 and $2,250.
- Median home value of Seaford is $302,703.
- Cost of living in Seaford is 1% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 popular zips in Seaford, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
Seaford offers transportation costs that are 2% below the national average. The city is rich with agricultural heritage. Moreover, Seaford emphasizes its historical connection to farming practices and the nylon industry. It also offers ample of jobs with major employers such as Allen Family Foods and Harim USA, Ltd.
»Seaford Homes for Sale: Browse cheap houses for sale in Delaware.
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#5 Wilmington
- Median house rent is $1,706 | Rental prices range between $650 and $7,000.
- Median home value of Wilmington is $309,840.
- Cost of living in Wilmington is 0.6% higher than the national average.
- 3 popular zips in Wilmington, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
With utility costs 8% below the national average, Wilmington stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Delaware. Housing costs are also 2% lower than nationwide.You can get an estimate of property values with a free home worth estimator. Besides its affordability, the city has employment opportunities with major companies like The Chemours Company and Tate & Lyle are the top employers.
» Wilmington Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the most affordable places to live in Delaware.
#6 Delmar
- Median house rent is $785 | Rental prices range between $785 and $2,300.
- Median home value of Delmar is $317,145.
- Cost of living in Delmar is 2% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 popular zips in Delmar, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
Delmar is one of the cities with the most affordable rent between $785 – $2,300. With an average household income of $55,625, you can comfortably live in this city. The city boasts charm on the Delmarva Peninsula and offers a family-friendly atmosphere ideal for raising children. The city also boasts a low crime rate of 48.3 out of 100, which provides a safe environment for residents.
» Delmar Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for rent in Delaware.
#7 Dover
- Median house rent is $1,750 | Rental prices range between $505 and $3,400.
- Median home value of Dover is $322,518.
- Cost of living in Dover is 4.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 popular zips in Dover, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
Dover is one of the best places to live in Delaware. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $543, making it one of the most affordable places to live. Dover, the capital city of Delaware, is known for being the second-largest city in the state. It serves as the seat of government and is home to various state institutions, including legislative and executive branches.
» Dover Homes for Sale: Get yourself affordable housing in Delaware.
#8 Magnolia
- Median house rent is $2,000 | Rental prices range between $2,000 and $3,600.
- Median home value of Magnolia is $410,956.
- Cost of living in Magnolia is 1.0% cheaper than the national average.
Magnolia boasts transportation costs that are 7.6% lower than the national average. Also, healthcare is 1% lower than nationwide. Additionally, the city opens doors to a wider range of job opportunities. For job seekers, Magnolia offers options like the Walgreens and Breakthru Beverage Group, which connects residents with local businesses.
» Magnolia Homes for Sale: Find cheap places to live in Delaware.
#9 Smyrna
- Median house rent is $1,775 | Rental prices range between $695 and $3,000.
- Median home value of Smyrna is $394,015.
- Cost of living in Smyrna is 1.0% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 popular zips in Smyrna, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
The cost of living in Smyrna is 1.0% lower than the national average. Grocery expenses in the city are 11.3%. These expenses lower than the national average, make it one of the most affordable cities in Delaware. Additionally, Top employers like Ballard Spahr & D.R. Horton offer exciting opportunities in the law and construction sectors.
» Smyrna Homes for Sale: Find affordable homes in Delaware.
#10 Camden
- Median house rent is $2,000 | Rental prices range between $1,200 and $3,995.
- Median home value of Camden is $379,467.
- Cost of living in Camden is 1.0% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 popular zips in Camden, DE: 19720 | 19958 | 19702
Camden, boasting a cost of living of 4.3% lower than the state average. It is one of the most affordable places to live in DE. Transportation costs are also moderate with 7.7% lower than national average. The city boasts a diverse economy with top employers like Fifer Orchards & Lokalise. Beyond the professional realm, Camden boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, art galleries, and a vibrant culinary scene.
» Camden Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses in Delaware.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Delaware?
If you want to move to Delaware, you will find cheap homes in cities like Harrington, Delmar, and Dover. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Delaware cities.
Cities like New Castle and Laurel are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Delaware.
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Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in Delaware, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive place to live in Delaware?
The cheapest place to live in Harrington is Harrington. It offers affordable transportation, which is 10.8% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Delaware: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Delaware.
Is Delaware the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $387,158. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Delaware?
The best place to live in Delaware is Wilmington, followed by Dover, Milford, Newark, Bear, Smyrna, and Middletown.
Which Delaware city has the lowest cost of living?
Harrington has the lowest cost of living, which is 1.0% and 4.3% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
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