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Wilmington, DE Utility & Living Guide
Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.
Monthly Utility Costs
$140/mo
$60/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1300/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1700/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2300/mo |
| Median Home Price | $240,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.35% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Wilmington is relatively stable, with a mix of historic homes, apartments, and new developments. However, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and proximity to the city center. Renters can expect to pay around $1,300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living
110
+10% above national average
105
102
105
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate | 1.35% |
| <p>State 0% + No county tax + No city tax, but some services are subject to a 8.97% gross receipts tax</p> | |
Delaware has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 0% to 5.95%, and Wilmington residents are also subject to a city wage tax of 1.25%
Family & Relocation
40
7.2/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
Wilmington has a relatively walkable downtown area and a public transit system that includes buses, but stroller-friendly infrastructure is limited in some areas
- Brandywine Zoo
- Delaware Children's Museum
- Hagley Museum and Library
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Wilmington based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Rent control laws, zoning restrictions, and historic preservation ordinances are key local regulations for residents and property owners
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Wilmington — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Wilmington tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% during the summer months. In contrast, winter heating costs are relatively moderate due to the city's mild climate.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.2 to 1.5, and there are no local surtaxes specific to Wilmington county, but some services are subject to a 8.97% gross receipts tax
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
6/10, due to limited sidewalk quality and elevator access in some areas, but good park access and a relatively walkable downtown area
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