A good salary in Delaware benefits from no sales tax and relatively affordable housing compared to neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Delaware average | $55,000-$72,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Single in Wilmington | $60,000-$78,000 | $50,000-$60,000 |
| Single in Dover | $50,000-$65,000 | $42,000-$50,000 |
| Family of 4 | $90,000-$115,000 | $75,000-$90,000 |
Key advantage: Delaware has no sales tax, saving 6-7% on purchases compared to neighboring states.
Why Delaware Is Relatively Affordable
Delaware benefits from:
- No sales tax (one of 5 states without it)
- Lower property taxes than neighboring NJ, PA, MD
- More affordable housing than Philadelphia or NYC suburbs
- Strategic location near major job markets
Good Salary by Delaware City
Wilmington
Wilmington is Delaware’s financial hub, home to many credit card companies and banks.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$285,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,350/month
Dover
Dover, the state capital, offers more affordable living.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $60,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $62,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$260,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,100/month
Newark
Newark is a college town (University of Delaware) with moderate costs.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $40,000 | $68,000 |
| Comfortable | $52,000 | $85,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $70,000+ | $110,000+ |
Median home price: ~$340,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,250/month
Rehoboth Beach
Beach communities have higher seasonal costs.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $48,000 | $80,000 |
| Comfortable | $62,000 | $100,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $85,000+ | $130,000+ |
Median home price: ~$550,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,600/month (seasonal variation)
How Much House Can You Afford in Delaware?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $55,000 | $200,000-$220,000 |
| $72,000 | $270,000-$300,000 |
| $90,000 | $340,000-$375,000 |
| $115,000 | $440,000-$480,000 |
Delaware vs. Other States
| State | $70K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $55,800 | 107 |
| New Jersey | $53,200 | 115 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,500 | 98 |
| Maryland | $54,100 | 112 |
Delaware’s no sales tax helps offset the income tax.
Delaware State Income Tax
Delaware has a progressive income tax ranging from 2.2% to 6.6%:
- $2,001-$5,000: 2.2%
- $5,001-$10,000: 3.9%
- $10,001-$20,000: 4.8%
- $20,001-$25,000: 5.2%
- $25,001-$60,000: 5.55%
- Over $60,000: 6.6%
Top Industries in Delaware
- Financial Services (credit cards, banking) — Average salary $85,000+
- Chemical/Pharmaceutical (DuPont legacy) — Average salary $90,000+
- Healthcare — Average salary $65,000+
- Education — Average salary $55,000+
- Corporate Services (many businesses incorporate in DE) — Average salary $75,000+
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Maryland?
- What is a good salary in Pennsylvania?
- How much house on $70K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator