Moving to Delaware in 2026 can sound tempting, especially with tax-free shopping, peaceful neighborhoods, and beaches just a short drive away.
But does that mean you'll actually enjoy living there?
Think about what happens after the moving truck leaves. You have a new place to settle into, monthly bills to manage, and a neighborhood you're still getting to know. Maybe you moved for a better job, more space, or a slower pace of life.
But what if the housing costs are higher than expected, or your daily commute takes longer than you planned?
The real question isn't just whether Delaware is affordable, but whether you can build the life you want there.
The cost of living in Delaware, local job opportunities and everyday conveniences all factor into that decision. Before you move to another state, it is important to understand what you're gaining and what you might have to compromise.
If you're still figuring out where to move in the USA, Delaware deserves a closer look.
- Moving to Delaware at a Glance
- Delaware Relocation Quick Facts
- Pros and Cons of Living in Delaware
- Delaware Population and Migration Trends
- Best Places to Live in Delaware
- Compare Delaware's Major Cities
- Cost of Living in Delaware
- Taxes and Insurance in Delaware
- Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Delaware?
- Crime and Safety in Delaware
- Delaware Weather and Climate
- Healthcare in Delaware
- Schools and Colleges in Delaware
- Transportation and Commuting in Delaware
- Is Delaware Right for Your Situation?
- How Much Does It Cost to Move to Delaware?
- Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Delaware
- FAQs
- Our Research and Data Process
Moving to Delaware at a Glance
Is Delaware a Good Place to Live?
Yes, especially if you enjoy quieter neighborhoods, nearby beaches, and easy access to major East Coast cities. Your experience will depend on where you settle and the lifestyle you prefer.
Is Moving to Delaware Worth It?
It can be. Delaware offers no state sales tax, smaller communities, and coastal attractions. Just make sure housing costs, job opportunities, and daily expenses work for your budget.
Who Is Delaware Best Suited For?
Families, retirees, remote workers, and professionals may find Delaware appealing. It's also a good option if you enjoy beach trips, suburban living, and nearby larger cities.
Who May Not Enjoy Living in Delaware?
People who prefer big-city nightlife, reliable public transit everywhere, or affordable beachfront homes might feel limited. Also consider humid summers and coastal flooding.
Delaware Relocation Quick Facts
| Category | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Capital | Dover |
| Largest Cities | Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Milford |
| Population | 1,059,952 |
| Population Growth | 7.1% |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Climate Type | Humid subtropical, with coastal influences |
| Basic Living Cost | $40,315/year after tax |
| Median Home Value | $352,000 |
| Median Rent | $1,401/month |
| State Income Tax | 2.2%–6.6%, depending on taxable income |
| State Sales Tax | 0% general state sales tax |
| Property Tax | Varies by county, school district, and municipality |
Pros and Cons of Living in Delaware
Pros
- No general state sales tax helps reduce shopping expenses.
- Major East Coast cities are within easy reach.
- Beaches and state parks offer plenty of outdoor activities.
- Finance, healthcare, and education provide job opportunities.
- Small towns and suburbs offer quieter living options.
- Social Security benefits are exempt from state income tax.
- Delaware's compact size makes regional travel convenient.
Cons
- The state income tax rate reaches 6.6%.
- Public transit is limited in many communities.
- Coastal communities face flooding and storm risks.
- Specialized jobs can be harder to find locally.
- Popular neighborhoods and beach towns can be expensive.
- Summers are humid, and beach traffic increases seasonally.
- Most areas require a car for everyday errands.
Delaware Population and Migration Trends
Delaware's population continues to grow as more people move to the state. New residents are settling across Delaware, while others are leaving.
How Many People Live in Delaware?
Best Places to Live in Delaware
The population reached 1.06 million in 2025, a 7.1% increase since 2020. Each part of the state offers a different lifestyle, with differences in housing costs, jobs, schools, and everyday living.
Middletown
A growing suburb with a median household income of $112,831 and 11.2% population growth since 2020.
Wilmington
Delaware's largest city, with 73,512 residents, offers finance jobs, healthcare, and city amenities.
Newark
A lively college town with 30,359 residents, a walkable downtown, and nearby job opportunities.
Milford
A quieter option with 31.9% population growth and a median home value of $296,900.
Dover
The state capital has 40,592 residents with government jobs, healthcare, and shopping nearby.
Lewes
Beach access and historic charm make it appealing, and the population has risen 14.7% since 2020.
Compare Delaware's Major Cities
| City | Population | Growth | Basic Monthly Cost* | Median Home Value | Median Rent | Median HH Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 73.5K | +3.7% | $3,454 | $231.4K | $1,224 | $58,671 |
| Dover | 40.6K | +2.8% | $3,249 | $258.9K | $1,344 | $60,199 |
| Newark | 30.4K | -0.9% | $3,454 | $382.5K | $1,654 | $76,912 |
| Middletown | 25.8K | +11.2% | $3,454 | $409.6K | $1,583 | $112,831 |
| Milford | 14.7K | +31.9% | $3,249 | $296.9K | $1,260 | $59,464 |
| Smyrna | 13.3K | +3.5% | $3,249 | $291.4K | $1,534 | $67,048 |
| Seaford | 9.2K | +15.5% | $3,233 | $224.3K | $1,176 | $54,016 |
| Georgetown | 8.3K | +15.5% | $3,233 | $281.4K | $1,410 | $49,719 |
| Millsboro | 7.9K | +16.5% | $3,233 | $332.6K | $1,277 | $78,707 |
| New Castle | 5.7K | +3.3% | $3,454 | $285.1K | $1,739 | $89,205 |
Cost of Living in Delaware
Delaware's cost of living is close to the national average, so don't expect everything to be cheap. The latest BEA data puts Delaware's price index at 99.8, just 0.2% below the U.S. average.
Housing Costs
Housing in Delaware depends a lot on location. Wilmington and Dover offer different price points, while popular coastal communities can stretch your budget.
Delaware homes cost more than the national average.
The typical home value is $406,074, about 10% above the U.S. level. Prices have also risen 1.3% over the past year, according to Zillow's 2026 data.
| Housing Expense | Latest Cost |
|---|---|
| Typical home value | $406,074 |
| Median sale price | $403,160 |
Everyday Monthly Costs
Delaware vs. the U.S. average
Taxes and Insurance in Delaware
Delaware's 0% state sales tax and low property taxes can help you save money. But it's not completely tax-free.
| Expense | Current Rate or Cost |
|---|---|
| State income tax | 2.2%–6.6% |
| State sales tax | 0% |
| State grocery tax | 0% |
| Effective property tax rate | About 0.54% |
| Senior school property tax credit | Up to $500 |
| Social Security benefits | State tax-exempt |
| Retirement income exclusion | Up to $12,500 |
| Homeowners insurance | About $159/month |
| Flood insurance | Property-specific; separate quote needed |
Delaware's Overall Tax Burden Compared With Nearby States
Delaware's overall tax burden is 6.28%, according to WalletHub's 2026 comparison. That's lower than Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, largely because Delaware has no general sales tax and relatively low property taxes.
| State | Overall Tax Burden | Property | Income | Sales & Excise | Difference vs. Delaware | Per $100K Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 6.28% | 1.67% | 3.62% | 0.98% | Baseline | Baseline |
| Pennsylvania | 8.47% | 2.59% | 2.65% | 3.23% | +2.19 pts | +$2,190 |
| Maryland | 9.70% | 2.54% | 4.28% | 2.88% | +3.42 pts | +$3,420 |
| New Jersey | 9.52% | 4.38% | 2.42% | 2.72% | +3.24 pts | +$3,240 |
How Expensive Is It to Live in Delaware?
Delaware's tax benefits are appealing, but your paycheck still needs to cover housing, transportation, and everyday bills.
| Household | Living Wage / Benchmark | Basic Monthly Budget | Required Annual Income / Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| One adult | $23.79/hour | $3,360 | $49,484 before taxes |
| Couple, both working | $15.75/hour each | $4,658 | $65,504 before taxes |
| Family of four | $27.42/hour each | $8,138 | $114,054 before taxes |
| Retiree, single renter | Elder Index | Varies by county | Depends on housing and healthcare |
| Student | University budget | Varies by college | Depends on tuition and housing |
Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Delaware?
Delaware's job market offers opportunities in finance, healthcare, government, and education, but your career options depend on where you live. As of 2026, the state's unemployment rate was 4.7%, with about 496,400 nonfarm jobs statewide.
Delaware's Top Career Hubs
Top career hubs by pay. Average annual pay across all occupations, by city.
| Career Hub | Strong Career Areas | Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | Finance, healthcare, technology | $96,961 average |
| Newark | Education, healthcare, technology | $67,133 average |
| Dover | Government, healthcare, education | $63,041 average |
| Milford | Healthcare, manufacturing, retail | $51,737 average |
| Georgetown | Healthcare, manufacturing, tourism | $48,436 average |
Which City Fits Your Career?
| City | What You'll Work In |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | Banking, finance, technology, healthcare, or professional services. |
| Newark | Education, research, engineering, healthcare, or technology. |
| Dover | State government, healthcare, education, or public administration. |
| Milford | Healthcare, manufacturing, retail, or skilled trades. |
| Georgetown | Healthcare, agriculture, education, or local government. |
Crime and Safety in Delaware
Safety in Delaware depends a lot on where you live. Some smaller towns report relatively little crime, while larger cities face different challenges.
Is Delaware a safe place to live?
Yes, Delaware has plenty of communities worth considering, and crime has been declining. In 2025, the state recorded about 347 violent crimes and 1,559 property crimes per 100,000 residents. That's a combined rate of 1,906, slightly above the U.S. violent crime rate but below the national property crime rate.
Delaware Violent and Property Crime Trends
From 2024 to 2025, Delaware's violent crime rate fell about 5.7%, while property crime dropped 11.5%.
| Crime Measure | Rate per 100K | Change From 2024 | Compared With U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | 347 | -5.7% | 3.6% higher |
| Property crime | 1,559 | -11.5% | 0.8% lower |
| Overall crime | 1,906 | -10.5% | Slightly higher |
| Murder | 4.1 | Down | Higher |
Safest Cities and Communities in Delaware
| Community | Violent Crime per 100K | Property Crime per 100K | Recent Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townsend | 35 | 559 | Low reported crime in 2024 |
| Ocean View | 66 | 593 | Low violent crime |
| Clayton | 110 | 550 | Lower rates than many larger towns |
| Middletown | 125 | 1,543 | Violent crime fell 42.3% from 2023 |
| Lewes | 162 | 1,242 | Relatively low violent crime |
Road Safety and Traffic Fatalities
Delaware also saw fewer road deaths in 2025. State Police reported 116 fatalities, down from 133 in 2024.
Delaware Weather and Climate
Delaware has four seasons: warm springs, hot, humid summers, cooler falls, and chilly winters.
Mild & rainy
Days get warmer from March to May, but expect plenty of rain and occasional thunderstorms.
Hot & humid
Temperatures often climb into the upper 80s°F, with sticky afternoons and busy beaches.
Cool & pleasant
Cooler days are great for outdoor activities, though tropical storms can still bring heavy rain.
Cold, sometimes snowy
Northern areas get more snow and ice, while coastal towns usually have milder winters.
What Else to Expect
| Weather Period | Typical Conditions | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Snow | More common in northern Delaware | Some winters bring little snow, while stronger storms can make travel difficult. |
| Rainfall | Around 45 inches a year | Rain falls year-round, and heavy downpours can flood low-lying roads. |
| Thunderstorms | Common in spring and summer | Expect occasional heavy rain, lightning, strong winds, and hail. |
| Tornadoes | Possible during severe storms | They aren't everyday events, but Delaware can experience damaging tornadoes. |
| Hurricanes | June through November | Tropical systems can bring coastal flooding, strong winds, and heavy rain. |
| Nor'easters | Mostly winter and early spring | Coastal towns may deal with strong winds, rough surf, and beach erosion. |
Which Parts of Delaware Face the Greatest Weather Risks?
- Coastal Sussex County and Delaware Bay towns: You're more likely to deal with tidal flooding, storm surge, and strong coastal winds.
- Wilmington, Newark, and northern Delaware: Winters can bring more snow and ice, along with heavy rain and occasional flooding.
- Low-lying inland areas: Heavy rain can cause rivers and streams to overflow, even away from the coast.
Healthcare in Delaware
Delaware has major medical centers that serve children, families, and people who need specialized treatment. In smaller towns, your options may be fewer. About 25% of Delaware residents live in nonmetro areas, where specialist appointments require a longer drive.
Best Hospitals and Medical Centers
Delaware has several established hospitals. Some focus on advanced treatment, while others provide the everyday care you'll want close to home.
| Rank | Hospital | City | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital | Newark | Trauma, heart care, cancer treatment, and specialist services |
| 2 | Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware | Wilmington | Children's healthcare, orthopedics, and pediatric specialties |
| 3 | Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus | Dover | Heart care, surgery, maternity, and emergency services |
| 4 | Beebe Medical Center | Lewes | Cancer care, surgery, and emergency services near the coast |
| 5 | Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus | Milford | Maternity, cancer care, orthopedics, and emergency treatment |
Rural Healthcare Availability
Healthcare can take more planning if you're settling in a smaller Delaware community. You may have a hospital nearby but still need to travel for certain specialists or treatments.
| Rural Healthcare Measure | Latest Published Figure |
|---|---|
| Counties statewide | 3 |
| Residents in nonmetro areas | 255,626 |
| Share living in nonmetro areas | 25.0% |
| Rural hospital sites | 3 |
| Critical Access Hospitals | 0 |
| Rural Emergency Hospitals | 0 |
| Rural Health Clinics | 0 |
| Rural Federally Qualified Health Center sites | 5 |
| Proposed rural healthcare investment | Up to $1 billion over 5 years |
Schools and Colleges in Delaware
Delaware has some well-rated school districts, but education quality can vary depending on where you live. The state's four-year high school graduation rate reached 89% in 2025, while chronic absenteeism fell to 16.6%.
Best-Rated School Districts
If you're moving with children, these districts are worth looking into. They rank in the top five in Niche's latest Delaware rankings.
| Rank | District | Niche Grade | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appoquinimink School District | A | 13,246 |
| 2 | Cape Henlopen School District | A | 6,654 |
| 3 | Brandywine School District | A- | 10,349 |
| 4 | Red Clay Consolidated School District | A- | 14,444 |
| 5 | Caesar Rodney School District | A- | 8,343 |
Delaware Colleges and Universities
Delaware has a mix of public universities, private colleges, and technical programs.
| University | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | Newark | Engineering, business, science, research |
| Delaware State University | Dover | Agriculture, aviation, business, education |
| Wilmington University | New Castle | Business, healthcare, education, technology |
| Delaware Technical Community College | Multiple campuses | Nursing, skilled trades, technical training |
| Goldey-Beacom College | Wilmington | Business, accounting, finance, management |
Transportation and Commuting in Delaware
You'll probably want a car in Delaware, especially outside Wilmington and Newark.
| Transportation Area | Delaware Data |
|---|---|
| Main interstates | I-95, I-295, I-495 |
| Public transportation | DART buses statewide; SEPTA and Amtrak trains in northern Delaware |
| Walking and cycling | Easier in downtown Wilmington, Newark, and some beach towns |
| Main commercial airport in Delaware | Wilmington Airport (ILG); Philadelphia International offers more flight options nearby |
| Level 2 charging ports | Separate current count needs verification |
| DC fast-charging ports | Separate current count needs verification |
Do You Need a Car in Delaware?
For most people, yes. DART buses and northern Delaware's rail services can cover some trips, but a car makes everyday errands, commuting, and beach trips much easier, especially in Kent and Sussex counties.
Is Delaware Right for Your Situation?
Moving to Delaware With a Family
Yes. Delaware can be a good choice if you want family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, good schools, and more space. Middletown, Newark, Smyrna, and Milford are worth comparing for housing, schools, and everyday family life.
Moving to Delaware as a Young Professional
Yes, especially around Wilmington and Newark. You'll find opportunities in finance, healthcare, technology, and education, along with restaurants, entertainment, and access to nearby cities.
Moving to Delaware as a Single Person
Yes, particularly if you enjoy a mix of city life and quieter surroundings. Wilmington, Newark, and Dover offer restaurants, social activities, and more opportunities to meet people than smaller towns.
Moving to Delaware for Retirement
Yes. Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Ocean View, and Milford are worth considering for coastal living, healthcare, and a slower pace. Delaware also doesn't tax Social Security benefits, though beach-area housing can be expensive.
Moving to Delaware for College
Yes. Newark, Dover, Wilmington, and Georgetown offer different college experiences, from the University of Delaware's busy campus to smaller, career-focused programs.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Delaware?
For a 2–3-bedroom home, the cost of moving to Delaware ranges from $1,160 to over $9,600 with full-service movers.
Your moving cost depends on the distance to Delaware, how much furniture you have, and whether you need packing or storage services.
Estimated Moving Costs to Delaware
- Nearby State $1,162–$3,332Maryland to DelawareAbout 70 miles
- Mid-Distance Move $3,392–$7,622Texas to DelawareAbout 1,644 miles
- Cross-Country Move $4,631–$9,677California to DelawareAbout 2,847 miles
Moving Costs by Service Type
There are several ways to move to Delaware, and you don't have to pay for a full-service moving company if you prefer doing some of the work yourself. A moving container gives you more time to pack, while a rental truck can help you save on transportation costs if you're comfortable driving.
| Moving Service | Estimated Cost for a 2–3-Bedroom Move | What You're Paying For | Detailed Cost Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | $1,162–$9,677+ | Professional loading, transportation, and unloading, with optional packing services | Full-Service Moving Costs |
| Moving Containers | $1,587–$7,486+ | Container delivery and transportation while you take care of packing and loading | Moving Container Costs |
| Rental Trucks | $512–$4,847+ | Truck rental, excluding fuel, tolls, and other driving expenses | Moving Truck Rental Costs |
| Labor-Only Movers | $498–$2,418 | Loading and unloading assistance, with transportation arranged separately | Labor-Only Moving Costs |
Moving Cost to Delaware from Your State
Pick the state you're moving from to see what a 2–3-bedroom move to Delaware usually costs.
Note: These costs are estimates for moving a 2–3-bedroom home to Delaware. Actual prices depend on your location, moving date, and services. Full-service, container, and truck rental costs are estimates, not final quotes. Labor-only rates are hourly for two movers and don't include transportation.
See moving costs from all 48 states
| Moving Route | Distance (Miles) | Full-Service Movers | Moving Container | Truck Rental | Labor-Only (2 Movers/Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama to Delaware | 930 | $4,913 | $3,100 | $2,123 | $142/hr |
| Arizona to Delaware | 2,277 | $6,472 | $5,200 | $3,516 | $142/hr |
| Arkansas to Delaware | 1,086 | $4,407 | $2,307 | $1,182 | $142/hr |
| California to Delaware | 2,847 | $7,154 | $5,200 | $3,516 | $142/hr |
| Colorado to Delaware | 1,808 | $5,758 | $4,430 | $3,516 | $142/hr |
| Connecticut to Delaware | 283 | $3,559 | $2,217 | $994 | $142/hr |
| Florida to Delaware | 1,011 | $5,151 | $4,430 | $2,123 | $142/hr |
| Georgia to Delaware | 784 | $4,690 | $3,100 | $2,123 | $142/hr |
| Idaho to Delaware | 2,464 | $6,772 | $3,867 | $2,437 | $142/hr |
| Illinois to Delaware | 861 | $4,668 | $3,100 | $2,123 | $142/hr |
| Indiana to Delaware | 645 | $4,235 | $2,110 | $893 | $142/hr |
| Iowa to Delaware | 1,082 | $4,652 | $2,497 | $1,262 | $142/hr |
| Kansas to Delaware | 1,370 | $4,812 | $2,802 | $1,422 | $142/hr |
| Kentucky to Delaware | 610 | $3,932 | $2,022 | $807 | $142/hr |
| Louisiana to Delaware | 1,258 | $4,747 | $2,622 | $1,407 | $142/hr |
| Maine to Delaware | 634 | $4,287 | $2,007 | $807 | $142/hr |
| Maryland to Delaware | 70 | $2,247 | $1,987 | $994 | $142/hr |
| Massachusetts to Delaware | 389 | $3,822 | $2,217 | $994 | $142/hr |
| Michigan to Delaware | 805 | $4,653 | $3,100 | $2,123 | $142/hr |
| Minnesota to Delaware | 1,354 | $6,079 | $3,266 | $1,671 | $142/hr |
| Mississippi to Delaware | 1,086 | $5,101 | $2,432 | $1,295 | $142/hr |
| Missouri to Delaware | 984 | $4,445 | $2,363 | $1,175 | $142/hr |
| Montana to Delaware | 2,109 | $6,387 | $3,312 | $2,037 | $142/hr |
| Nebraska to Delaware | 1,453 | $5,768 | $3,168 | $1,770 | $142/hr |
| Nevada to Delaware | 2,548 | $5,737 | $3,747 | $2,407 | $142/hr |
| New Hampshire to Delaware | 452 | $4,602 | $1,952 | $737 | $142/hr |
| New Jersey to Delaware | 150 | $2,793 | $1,987 | $994 | $142/hr |
| New Mexico to Delaware | 1,840 | $5,747 | $2,992 | $1,752 | $142/hr |
| New York to Delaware | 188 | $2,980 | $1,987 | $994 | $142/hr |
| North Carolina to Delaware | 373 | $3,590 | $2,217 | $994 | $142/hr |
| North Dakota to Delaware | 1,663 | $6,302 | $2,932 | $1,802 | $142/hr |
| Ohio to Delaware | 527 | $4,369 | $3,100 | $2,123 | $142/hr |
| Oklahoma to Delaware | 1,437 | $5,152 | $2,802 | $1,482 | $142/hr |
| Oregon to Delaware | 2,728 | $6,307 | $3,634 | $2,478 | $142/hr |
| Pennsylvania to Delaware | 99 | $2,441 | $1,253 | $140 | $142/hr |
| Rhode Island to Delaware | 356 | $3,152 | $1,687 | $537 | $142/hr |
| South Carolina to Delaware | 585 | $4,285 | $3,100 | $2,123 | $142/hr |
| South Dakota to Delaware | 1,519 | $7,083 | $3,318 | $1,899 | $142/hr |
| Tennessee to Delaware | 794 | $4,417 | $2,082 | $922 | $142/hr |
| Texas to Delaware | 1,644 | $5,507 | $4,430 | $3,516 | $142/hr |
| Utah to Delaware | 2,163 | $5,241 | $3,173 | $1,960 | $142/hr |
| Vermont to Delaware | 527 | $4,257 | $1,827 | $727 | $142/hr |
| Virginia to Delaware | 272 | $3,430 | $2,217 | $994 | $142/hr |
| Washington to Delaware | 2,814 | $6,069 | $3,827 | $2,615 | $142/hr |
| West Virginia to Delaware | 394 | $3,287 | $1,677 | $567 | $142/hr |
| Wisconsin to Delaware | 960 | $4,377 | $2,212 | $1,082 | $142/hr |
| Wyoming to Delaware | 1,943 | $6,227 | $3,017 | $1,922 | $142/hr |
Get a Moving Estimate for Your New Home in Delaware
Use our Moving Cost Calculator to enter your moving details and get a more specific estimate.
Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Delaware
Your move to Delaware starts with finding a company that handles long-distance relocations.
Look for Delaware moving companies that offer interstate services and cover both your current location and your new Delaware address.
We've reviewed interstate movers based on their prices, services, customer reviews, and experience. Take time to compare movers, including their quotes, delivery dates, and extra charges, before choosing one.
Keep your packing, paperwork, and pickup dates on track with a long-distance moving checklist.
The companies listed below are options to consider for your move to Delaware.
Top picks for you
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Find movers for your move to Delaware from another state
When is the best time to move to Delaware?
The best time to move to Delaware is usually April to May or September to October. You'll avoid much of the summer heat, humidity, and beach traffic. Once you've picked your dates, build your moving timeline around it so you have enough time to prepare.
Best day and time for moving
Try booking Tuesday through Thursday, preferably early in the morning. Weekdays offer better mover availability, especially outside the busy summer season.
FAQs
Our Research and Data Process
We created this guide to answer the common questions people have before moving to Delaware. Most of the information comes from government agencies, official public records, and other primary sources. For information that changes more frequently, such as rent, home prices, insurance costs, and moving costs, we also use reliable first-party institutions and established market-data sources to provide the latest available information.
Data Sources Used
We prioritize primary and official sources whenever reliable data is available.
| Source Type | Approx. Share Used | Main Data Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government sources | 46% | Population, employment, income, economic conditions, crime, weather, natural hazards, transportation, migration, energy, and road safety |
| State and local government sources | 26% | Taxes, schools, licensing, transportation, healthcare, public safety, and state-specific regulations |
| First-party institutions and market sources | 18% | Housing, rent, insurance, hospitals, universities, utilities, and moving costs |
| Reputable secondary sources | 10% | Rankings, comparisons, and supporting market context |
- Our public data sources commonly include: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- For state-specific information, we use the Delaware state agencies, county and city governments, public school systems, transportation authorities, public universities, and other official local institutions. Official state and local government websites can also be located through the USA.gov state and local government directory. USAGov
- For local public transportation data, we also use individual transit authorities and the Federal Transit Administration's National Transit Database, which provides profiles for reporting transit agencies across the country. Federal Transit Administration
How Data Was Compared
We make comparisons using the same source, time period, geographic level, and measurement method whenever possible. When a useful figure is not published directly, we calculate it from the underlying data. For example:
- Population growth = percentage change between two comparable population estimates
- Cost difference = state or city value compared with the relevant U.S. benchmark
- Tax difference = percentage-point or percentage difference between locations
- Crime rate = reported offenses adjusted for population
- Employment change = change in employment between comparable reporting periods
- Monthly cost = annual cost divided by 12 when only an annual figure is published
How Cities and Communities Were Evaluated
We do not evaluate cities based on a single statistic. Instead, we consider several factors that matter when choosing where to live:
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Jobs & income | 25% |
| Housing & living costs | 20% |
| Crime & safety | 20% |
| Schools & family needs | 15% |
| Healthcare | 10% |
| Transportation | 5% |
| Lifestyle & recreation | 5% |
How Local Experience Was Collected
We do not present invented firsthand experience as fact. Local context comes from official city and county governments, school districts, transportation agencies, hospitals, universities, economic-development organizations, public services, and resident-facing market data.
How Facts Were Checked
We check the latest available information before adding important statistics to a guide. For major topics such as population, employment, taxes, crime, education, transportation, weather, and public safety, we prioritize government agencies and other primary sources.
We also check repeated statistics throughout the guide so that the same metric uses the same value, year, definition, and source wherever it appears.
If two figures measure different things, such as median home value and typical home value, they are labeled separately rather than treated as the same statistic.
Data Limitations
Not every dataset updates at the same time. A 2026 article may still contain the latest official 2024 or 2025 data when that is the newest release available.
Market figures such as rent, home prices, insurance, and mover costs can also change faster than government statistics. These numbers should be treated as current benchmarks rather than guaranteed prices.
