With historical significance as the first state to ratify the Constitution, stunning coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, and close proximity to iconic cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, the second smallest state, Delaware has much to offer to anyone considering living in the area. If Delaware sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious about what cities fit into your budget. As of August, the median home sale price in Delaware is $360,700.
Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget, we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of the 8 of the most affordable places to live in Delaware – and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.
#1: Wilmington
Median home price: $225,000
Average sale price per square foot: $168
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,583
Median household income: $54,731
Wilmington, DE homes for sale
Wilmington, DE apartments for rent
Taking the first spot on our list of most affordable places to live in Delaware is Wilmington. Home to about 71,600 residents and a median home sale price of $225,000, Wilmington is a great area to live in. You can find plenty of things to do in the city like visiting landmarks such as Rodney Square, the Old Swedes Historic Site, and the Delaware Art Museum. Residents can also explore the Brandywine Zoo, Rockford Park, and the Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, among many other local favorites.
#2: Milford
Median home price: $280,000
Average sale price per square foot: $212
Median household income: $53,472
Nearest major metro: Dover (21 miles)
Milford, DE homes for sale
Milford, DE apartments for rent
Delaware’s second most affordable city to live in is Milford, located by Delaware Bay. When living in this city of 11,200 people, you can explore Mispillion Riverwalk Park, check out the local vendors at Riverwalk Farmers Market, and visit the Goat Island Nature Area.
#3: Dover
Median home price: $300,000
Average sale price per square foot: $162
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,315
Median household income: $48,500
Dover, DE homes for sale
Dover, DE apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $300,000, Dover comes in at number three on our list of most affordable places to live in Delaware. Dover is home to roughly 39,400 residents and is the second-biggest city in the state. Living in Dover, you can visit the Old State House dating back to 1719, discover museums like the Biggs Museum of Art and the Johnson Victrola Museum, or explore scenic green spaces like Fork Branch Nature Preserve and Silver Lake Park.
#4: Bear
Median home price: $335,500
Average sale price per square foot: $189
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,872
Median household income: $76,920
Nearest major metro: Wilmington (15 miles)
Bear, DE homes for sale
Bear, DE apartments for rent
About 23,600 people reside in Bear, located about 15 miles southwest of Wilmington. The median home sale price is $335,500 which is about $25K less than the median home sale price in Delaware. If you find yourself moving to the fourth most affordable place in Delaware, visit one of the parks in town, check out a local restaurant, or take a boat out on Becks Pond.
#5: Claymont
Median home price: $335,000
Average sale price per square foot: $203
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,837
Median household income: $72,840
Nearest major metro: Wilmington (7 miles)
Claymont, DE homes for sale
Claymont, DE apartments for rent
Home to about 10,200 people, Claymont is a charming and affordable riverfront city. Located along the Delaware River, Claymont has great views of the water and nearby New Jersey. In Claymont, you can find attractions like Woods Haven Kruse Park, and historic sites like The Patio.
#6: Brookside
Median home price: $339,000
Average sale price per square foot: $195
Median household income: $66,485
Nearest major metro: Wilmington (12 miles)
Brookside, DE homes for sale
Brookside, DE apartments for rent
Sixth on our list is another well-known city, Brookside. With about 14,300 residents and a median home sale price of $339,000, Brookside is a great place to call home. It’s a suburban area, so there are plenty of community parks and shopping centers, making it a convenient city. Brookside is also close to Newark and Wilmington, so you can easily explore those cities.
#7: Smyrna
Median home price: $339,000
Average sale price per square foot: $206
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,050
Median household income: $45,948
Nearest major metro: Dover (14 miles)
Smyrna, DE homes for sale
Smyrna, DE apartments for rent
The same median home sale price as Brookside is the city of Smyrna, the next affordable place in Delaware to make the list. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in Smyrna. Make sure to spend the day at Lake Como, explore the charming downtown area with shops and restaurants, or check out Blackbird State Forest.
#8: Newark
Median home price: $345,000
Average sale price per square foot: $201
Median household income: $67,738
Nearest major metro: Wilmington (13 miles)
Newark, DE homes for sale
Newark, DE apartments for rent
The final city to make our list of the most affordable places to live in Delaware is Newark. Located just about 13 miles outside of Wilmington, Newark is home to about 30,100 residents. In Newark, you’ll find the University of Delaware campus, featuring museums and beautiful grounds. You can also explore green spaces such as Rittenhouse Park, William M. Redd, Junior Park, and Middle Run Valley Natural Area – all great for enjoying a day outdoors.
Methodology: All cities must have over 10,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Delaware. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
