Delaware vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Delaware
$82,327
in Texas
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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 102.3 | 79.4 | +29% |
| Groceries | 101.3 | 95.3 | +6% |
| Utilities | 97.6 | 102.9 | -5% |
| Transportation | 100.6 | 92.9 | +8% |
| Healthcare | 103.9 | 96.8 | +7% |
| Dining & Misc | 106.3 | 95.2 | +12% |
| 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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $295,000 | +$45,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,432/mo | $1,112/mo | +$320 |
| Gas price | $3.38/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.17 |
| Electric bill | $120/mo | $87/mo | +$33 |
| Infant childcare | $16,220/yr | $10,706/yr | +$5,514 |
Salary equivalent: Delaware → Texas
What a Delaware salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Delaware | Equivalent in Texas | 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 Texas. 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 Texas overall. Delaware has an index of 103.1 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Texas?
Texas 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 $295,000 in Texas.
Is Texas cheaper than Delaware?
Yes, Texas 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 Texas?
Yes, Delaware is 13% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Texas 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 Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Delaware and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Texas. Median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $295,000 in Texas — a $45,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,432/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Delaware vs Texas?
Housing is 29% higher in Delaware (index 102.3 vs 79.4). Dining & Misc is 12% higher in Delaware (index 106.3 vs 95.2). Transportation is 8% higher in Delaware (index 100.6 vs 92.9).
Is gas cheaper in Delaware or Texas?
Gas averages $3.38/gallon in Delaware and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.17 difference per gallon.
Delaware vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Delaware has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Texas 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 Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Delaware vs Texas 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
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Delaware vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Delaware — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — How much house can you afford?
- 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.