Cost of Living in Elsmere, DE

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A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Elsmere Delaware National
Cost of living101107100
Groceries10099100
Health care98100100
Housing101123100
Transportation9999100
Utilities102102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104102100
Household Items103100100
Education & Childcare10099100
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Homes For Sale In Elsmere, DE

property for sale

1366 Maple Ave

Elsmere, DE
property for sale

20 Richard Ave

Wilmington, DE
property for sale

100 Forrest Ave

Wilmington, DE
property for sale

236 Birch Ave

Wilmington, DE

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Elsmere is 6% lower than the Delaware average
  • The cost of living in Elsmere is 1% higher than the national average
  • Elsmere housing is 1% higher than the national average
  • Delaware general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • Delaware state income tax is 15% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Elsmere

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      The best places in Delaware

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$107,552$8,963$2,509$3,227
      Renters$62,724$5,227$1,463$1,882
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Elsmere, DE, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Elsmere homeowners, is $107,552. This would allow for a maximum of $2,509 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $62,724 which would result in a maximum of $1,463 to be spent on rental costs.

      Delaware Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Delaware 0% 0%

      Delaware Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Delaware 2.2% 6.6%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cheyney University, PA198990.8%
      Salem, NJ4,8608515.1%
      Chester, PA35,1178613.9%
      Marcus Hook, PA2,3818712.6%
      Linwood, PA3,5528910.9%
      Elsmere, DE5,9541010.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Chickasaw, AL5,9548416.2%
      Smiths Station, AL5,954946.5%
      Yarmouth, ME5,95412626.1%
      Newmarket, NH5,95511717.0%
      Stettler, AB5,955n/a 
      Elsmere, DE5,9541010.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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