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Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Cost of living in New Castle County, DE

Part of the Philadelphia Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,752/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 573,030 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,512 40%
Federal tax $638 17%
Healthcare $480 13%
Groceries $352 9%
Transport $320 9%
Energy $200 5%
State tax $195 5%
Water $55 1%

Rent in New Castle County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,372
per month
1 bedroom
$1,512
per month
2 bedroom
$1,802
per month
3 bedroom
$2,171
per month
4 bedroom
$2,468
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in New Castle County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$89,901
per year
Individual earnings
$49,061
per year
Per capita
$46,990
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in New Castle County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$329,800
Annual property tax
$2,444

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in New Castle County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$148
per month · 16.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$52
per month
Annual total
$2,400
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in New Castle County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
5.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in New Castle County

State and local tax rates for Delaware.

State income tax
6.6%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
0.0%
Combined sales tax
0.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in New Castle County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
25.4 min
Drive alone
70.7%
Public transit
2.6%
Work from home
15.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for New Castle County

What it costs to live in New Castle County each month.

Single person
$3,752
per month
  • Rent $1,512
  • Energy $200
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $352
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $638
  • State tax $195
Couple
$5,525
per month
  • Rent $1,802
  • Energy $240
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $583
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,141
  • State tax $410
Family
$8,052
per month
  • Rent $2,171
  • Energy $300
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $885
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,141
  • State tax $410

Frequently asked questions about New Castle County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in New Castle County?

In New Castle County, DE, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,512 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,802 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,171 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in New Castle County?

In New Castle County, DE, the average household income is $89,901 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $49,061 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in New Castle County?

The estimated cost of living in New Castle County, DE is approximately $3,752 per month for a single person, $5,525 for a couple, $8,052 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in New Castle County?

The combined sales tax rate in New Castle County, DE is 0.00%, which includes the Delaware state rate of 0.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is New Castle County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in New Castle County, DE would need approximately $3,752 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $89,901 per year ($7,492 per month). New Castle County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in New Castle County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in New Castle County, DE is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in New Castle County?

The average home value in New Castle County, DE is $329,800, with average annual property taxes of $2,444, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does New Castle County compare to other areas?

You can compare New Castle County, DE with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. New Castle County is in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area.

Other counties in Delaware

Browse the full list of counties in Delaware, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Delaware

Compare New Castle County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources