A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Milford Delaware National
Cost of living102107100
Groceries9899100
Health care102100100
Housing109123100
Transportation9999100
Utilities102102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100102100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare9699100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Milford, DE

The cost of living in Milford affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Milford is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Milford closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Milford can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Milford?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 8 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Milford. The feedback revealed that 63% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 38% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Milford Affordable?

Is Milford an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Milford, the median home price is 11% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 4.1% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Milford come in at $67,359, which is 17.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Milford?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Milford, the utilities index is 2.4% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Milford, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 0%, and income tax rates start at 2.2%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Milford, healthcare costs are 2.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Milford are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Milford is 4% lower than the Delaware average
  • The cost of living in Milford is 2% higher than the national average
  • Milford housing is 9% 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 Milford

See all the best places to live around Milford

Compare Milford, DE Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,782$7,815$2,188$2,814
      Renters$51,701$4,308$1,206$1,551
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Milford, DE, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Milford, homeowners have a median income of $93,782. Using that number, a maximum of $2,188 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $51,701, which means there is a maximum of $1,206 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Farmington, DE1908911.1%
      Magnolia, DE392954.7%
      Ellendale, DE774963.9%
      Woodside, DE212982.4%
      Greenwood, DE1,170991.4%
      Milford, DE11,7211022.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Martinsville, NJ11,72216463.7%
      Stuarts Draft, VA11,7231055.2%
      Woods Cross, UT11,71711515.3%
      Stratford, PE11,716n/a 
      Summerfield, NC11,71512323.3%
      Milford, DE11,7211022.1%
      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.