Buying in Delaware: what the numbers look like
Delaware keeps the recurring cost of ownership low: its 0.47% average effective property tax rate ranks 6th lowest in the nation (national average ≈ 0.94%), so the typical $385,000 home carries only about $1,810 a year in property tax. On the insurance side, Delaware homeowners average about $1,300 a year — a bargain at 52% below the 50-state average.
Put together at an illustrative 6.5% rate (30-year, 20% down), the typical Delaware purchase pencils out near $2,206/month: $1,947 principal & interest + $151 tax + $108 insurance. That's the number the calculator above starts from — swap in your real price, rate quote, and county figures to make it yours.
Property taxes & closing costs in Delaware
Low annual property taxes but the steep one-time transfer tax changes closing-cost math.
Transfer tax: 4% transfer tax (typically split buyer/seller) — one of the highest in the U.S. Closing costs also include lender, title, and recording fees — typically 2–5% of the price all-in.
Delaware at a glance
| Typical home value (Zillow, 2025) | $385,000 (21st highest) |
| Avg. effective property tax (2023) | 0.47% ≈ $151/mo |
| Avg. home insurance (2025) | $1,300/yr ≈ $108/mo |
| Example payment (typical home, 6.5%, 20% down) | $2,206/mo |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the mortgage payment on a typical Delaware home?
The typical Delaware home runs about $385,000 (Zillow, 2025). With 20% down ($77,000) on a 30-year loan at an illustrative 6.5% rate, the full monthly payment is roughly $2,206 — $1,947 principal & interest, $151 property tax, and $108 insurance. Adjust every input above to match your own price and quote.
What is the property tax rate in Delaware?
Delaware's average effective rate is 0.47% of home value — the 45th lowest — that is, 6th lowest in the nation (Tax Foundation, 2023 data). On the typical $385,000 home that is about $1,810 per year. Low annual property taxes but the steep one-time transfer tax changes closing-cost math.
How much is homeowners insurance in Delaware?
Roughly $1,300 per year on average for $300k of dwelling coverage (Bankrate, 2025) — below the 50-state average of $2,682. Your premium depends on the home’s age, construction, claims history, and coverage limits, so quote several insurers.
Nearby states & more tools
Compare: Maryland mortgage calculator · Pennsylvania mortgage calculator · New Jersey mortgage calculator · Virginia mortgage calculator — or see all 50 states compared.
Not sure of your price range? Start with the home affordability calculator, then fine-tune here. The full mortgage calculator has extra payments and PMI controls too.
Data & sources: Property tax — Effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing, calendar year 2023 (Tax Foundation analysis of Census ACS data, published 2025). Home value — Typical home value, Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), 2025, rounded to the nearest $5,000. Insurance — Average annual homeowners insurance premium for $300k dwelling coverage (Bankrate/Quadrant 2025), rounded to the nearest $50. State-level figures are planning defaults, not quotes: property taxes vary by county and city, insurance varies by home and insurer, and home values move monthly. Every value prefills the calculator but remains editable. The 6.5% rate is illustrative, not an offer or a prediction — always enter a real quote.
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only — not financial advice. See our Terms of Use.