Planning your move to the First State? You’re not alone! More than 38,468 people are moving to Delaware annually, which is why Delaware’s population has reached 1 million.
Companies are also moving to Delaware. The First State witnessed 298K new businesses in 2023, indicating a strong economy and a robust job market. Delaware’s cost of living is $3,633/mo, and the state’s suburban lifestyle appeals to potential movers, too.
3 Reasons to Move to Delaware
Delaware is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to Delaware.
| # | Reasons to Move to DE | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Delaware is 2% higher than the national average. |
| 3. | Employment | The First State aims to add 42,030 jobs by 2030 across different sectors. |
| 4. | Education | Delaware is home to renowned educational institutes like the St. Andrew's School and the University of Delaware. |
1. Cost of Living in Delaware
The cost of living in Delaware is 2% higher than the national average. However, it’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Delaware’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Home Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Wilmington | $297,500 | $1,645 | $72.2 | $250.0 | $513 |
| Dover | $284,500 | $1,562 | $55.3 | $136.59 | $609 |
| Newark | $359,950 | $1,651 | $76.5 | $162.5 | $501 |
| Middletown | $411,000 | $1,553 | $60 | $180.0 | $613 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Delaware
Delaware’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The First State is projected to add 42,030 more jobs by the end of 2030.
- Financial Services: Delaware is home to major financial companies like JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America. The role of financial managers is projected to be around 2,689 jobs by 2030.
- Healthcare: Delware’s healthcare industry is led by institutions like ChristianaCare and Nemours Children’s Health. Positions like medical and health services manager are expected to reach 1,433 by 2030.
- Manufacturing: Delaware has a strong manufacturing sector, with high demand for industrial production managers and chemical engineers. Companies like DuPont and AstraZeneca are major employers in this field.
- Technology: The tech industry in Delaware is also expanding. Software development and quality assurance roles are projected to hit 7,235 jobs by 2030. Major employers in this sector include FMC Corporation and CSC.
3. Education and Schools in Delaware
Delaware serves approximately 141,718 students across 19 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options including:
- Public Schools: Delaware has more than 219 public schools. St. Andrew’s School and Tower Hill School are some of the top schools in the state.
- Specialized Charter and Magnet Schools: DE has over 23 public charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free. Some of the top schools are Newark Charter School and Odyssey Charter School.
- Private Schools: Delaware is home to around 108 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is around $12,154 annually. Top-rated schools include Sanford School in Hockessin and Augustine Hills School in Wilmington.
- Higher Education: The state has 18 colleges and universities, including 6 public institutions such as the University of Delaware and Delaware State University. Delaware’s higher education system is well-rounded, offering a mix of four-year universities, community colleges, and trade schools.
Cost of Moving to Delaware💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to DE.
1. Moving Costs ~ $551 to $4,949
Moving to Delaware involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Delaware movers typically cost $150 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Delaware.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Delaware.
- When relocating to Delaware, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in Delaware is around $435/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Delaware. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in DE is around $40. A typical renewal costs around $40/year.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the First State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Wilmington, Middletown, and Dover, the average rent ranges between $1,500 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Delaware, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Delaware in your budget. Coastal cities like Fenwick Island have a median home price of $1.4M. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Dover is $285K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Delaware✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to DE, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Delaware neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
