Delaware vs Indiana Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Delaware
$82,690
in Indiana
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Delaware | Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 102.3 | 75.4 | +36% |
| Groceries | 101.3 | 99.2 | +2% |
| Utilities | 97.6 | 95.0 | +3% |
| Transportation | 100.6 | 101.0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | 103.9 | 96.3 | +8% |
| Dining & Misc | 106.3 | 95.8 | +11% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 90.7 | +14% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Delaware.
What things actually cost
| Item | Delaware | Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $230,000 | +$110,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,432/mo | $1,056/mo | +$376 |
| Gas price | $3.38/gal | $3.49/gal | $0.11 |
| Electric bill | $120/mo | $101/mo | +$19 |
| Infant childcare | $16,220/yr | $14,471/yr | +$1,749 |
Salary equivalent: Delaware → Indiana
What a Delaware salary buys you in Indiana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Delaware | Equivalent in Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,986 | +$6,014 |
| $75,000 | $65,980 | +$9,020 |
| $100,000 | $87,973 | +$12,027 |
| $150,000 | $131,959 | +$18,041 |
| $200,000 | $175,946 | +$24,054 |
Positive = your money goes further in Indiana. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Delaware is 14% more expensive than Indiana overall. Delaware has an index of 103.1 vs 90.7 for Indiana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Indiana?
Indiana is cheaper to live in. Delaware is 14% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $230,000 in Indiana.
Is Indiana cheaper than Delaware?
Yes, Indiana is 14% cheaper than Delaware overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Delaware more expensive than Indiana?
Yes, Delaware is 14% more expensive than Indiana based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Indiana equals $100,000 in Delaware?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Delaware, you would need approximately $87,973 in Indiana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 90.7).
How do housing costs compare between Delaware and Indiana?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Indiana. Median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $230,000 in Indiana — a $110,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,432/mo vs $1,056/mo.
What costs more in Delaware vs Indiana?
Housing is 36% higher in Delaware (index 102.3 vs 75.4). Dining & Misc is 11% higher in Delaware (index 106.3 vs 95.8). Healthcare is 8% higher in Delaware (index 103.9 vs 96.3).
Is gas cheaper in Delaware or Indiana?
Gas averages $3.38/gallon in Delaware and $3.49/gallon in Indiana — a $0.11 difference per gallon.
Delaware vs Indiana cost of living — how do they compare?
Delaware has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Indiana has 90.7 (national average = 100). Delaware is 14% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Delaware and Indiana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Delaware vs Indiana paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Delaware Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Indiana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Delaware vs Indiana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Delaware — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Indiana — How much house can you afford?
- Delaware Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Indiana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Delaware Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.