Delaware vs North Dakota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Delaware
$82,327
in North Dakota
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 | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 102.3 | 75.7 | +35% |
| Groceries | 101.3 | 96.8 | +5% |
| Utilities | 97.6 | 83.2 | +17% |
| Transportation | 100.6 | 99.9 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 103.9 | 108.8 | -5% |
| Dining & Misc | 106.3 | 99.2 | +7% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 91.1 | +13% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Delaware.
What things actually cost
| Item | Delaware | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $255,000 | +$85,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,432/mo | $1,060/mo | +$372 |
| Gas price | $3.38/gal | $3.08/gal | +$0.30 |
| Electric bill | $120/mo | $70/mo | +$50 |
| Infant childcare | $16,220/yr | $12,373/yr | +$3,847 |
Salary equivalent: Delaware → North Dakota
What a Delaware salary buys you in North Dakota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Delaware | Equivalent in North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,180 | +$5,820 |
| $75,000 | $66,271 | +$8,729 |
| $100,000 | $88,361 | +$11,639 |
| $150,000 | $132,541 | +$17,459 |
| $200,000 | $176,722 | +$23,278 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Dakota. 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 13% more expensive than North Dakota overall. Delaware has an index of 103.1 vs 91.1 for North Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or North Dakota?
North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Delaware is 13% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $255,000 in North Dakota.
Is North Dakota cheaper than Delaware?
Yes, North Dakota is 13% 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 North Dakota?
Yes, Delaware is 13% more expensive than North Dakota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in North Dakota equals $100,000 in Delaware?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Delaware, you would need approximately $88,361 in North Dakota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Delaware and North Dakota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Dakota. Median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $255,000 in North Dakota — a $85,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,432/mo vs $1,060/mo.
What costs more in Delaware vs North Dakota?
Housing is 35% higher in Delaware (index 102.3 vs 75.7). Utilities is 17% higher in Delaware (index 97.6 vs 83.2). Dining & Misc is 7% higher in Delaware (index 106.3 vs 99.2).
Is gas cheaper in Delaware or North Dakota?
Gas averages $3.38/gallon in Delaware and $3.08/gallon in North Dakota — a $0.30 difference per gallon.
Delaware vs North Dakota cost of living — how do they compare?
Delaware has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and North Dakota has 91.1 (national average = 100). Delaware is 13% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Delaware and North Dakota?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Delaware has no state sales tax, making it popular for shopping, and uses a progressive income tax up to 6.60%. North Dakota has a progressive income tax with very low rates, topping out at 2.50%. Use the Delaware vs North Dakota paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Delaware and North Dakota?
Delaware requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. North Dakota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
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
- North Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Delaware vs North Dakota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Delaware — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- Delaware Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- North Dakota Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Delaware Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- North Dakota Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Delaware Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- North Dakota Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- 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.