A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Smyrna Delaware National
Cost of living105107100
Groceries9899100
Health care102100100
Housing118123100
Transportation9999100
Utilities102102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100102100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare9699100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Smyrna, DE

Understanding the cost of living in Smyrna can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Smyrna cost of living index is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Smyrna are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Smyrna can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 5 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Smyrna. The feedback revealed that 40% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 60% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Smyrna Affordable?

Is Smyrna affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Smyrna, the median home price is 14.6% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 24.4% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Smyrna boasting a median household income of $88,740, 9.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Smyrna?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Smyrna, the healthcare costs are 2.3% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Smyrna comes in at 2.4% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Smyrna shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Smyrna is 2% lower than the Delaware average
  • The cost of living in Smyrna is 5% higher than the national average
  • Smyrna housing is 18% 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 Smyrna

See all the best places to live around Smyrna

Compare Smyrna, DE Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Smyrna?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Smyrna?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Smyrna poll results

      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$100,201$8,350$2,338$3,006
      Renters$73,207$6,101$1,708$2,196
      The affordability of the housing market in Smyrna, DE as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Smyrna homeowners, the median income is $100,201. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,338 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $73,207. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,708 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Hartly, DE1708218.3%
      Henderson, MD1628812.4%
      Little Creek, DE297919.0%
      Leipsic, DE147946.0%
      Rodney Village, DE1,200946.0%
      Smyrna, DE12,1091054.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mackenzie County, AB12,113n/a 
      North Wantagh, NY12,10214140.7%
      Little Chute, WI12,116964.1%
      Jerome, ID12,101964.4%
      Manchester, VA12,1211099.1%
      Smyrna, DE12,1091054.7%
      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.