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Moving to Delaware

Delaware is the second-smallest state in the country but punches above its weight as a relocation destination — combining no sales tax, no inheritance tax, proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., and a cost of living right at the national average at 100.1. This page covers every Delaware-destination route we track.

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Delaware at a Glance

Taxes

State income tax6.6%
State sales taxNone
Property tax (eff.)0.55%

Climate

Avg annual temp54°F
Annual precipitation46″

Humid subtropical with hot summers and cold winters.

Cost of Living

COL index100.1 (US=100)
Avg electric bill$116/mo

Why People Move to Delaware

Delaware's no-sales-tax status is the most visible financial advantage for residents: every retail purchase is sales-tax-free, adding up to meaningful savings for households that would otherwise pay 6–8% on most purchases. Combined with corporate-friendly laws (Delaware is where most major US corporations are incorporated), the state has business and lifestyle infrastructure that punches above its population weight.

Delaware's geography is useful: Wilmington is 25 miles from Philadelphia, 75 miles from Baltimore, and under 2 hours from Washington D.C. and New York City. The beaches (Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach) are East Coast summer favorites. The state is small enough to cross in 30 minutes in some directions, giving residents access to multiple metro areas.

Popular Routes Moving to Delaware

Arkansas → DelawareConnecticut → DelawareIdaho → DelawareSouth Carolina → DelawareSouth Dakota → DelawareWest Virginia → DelawareAlaska → DelawareAlabama → DelawareArizona → DelawareCalifornia → DelawareColorado → DelawareWashington D.C. → DelawareFlorida → DelawareGeorgia → DelawareHawaii → DelawareIowa → DelawareIllinois → DelawareIndiana → DelawareKansas → DelawareKentucky → DelawareLouisiana → DelawareMassachusetts → DelawareMaryland → DelawareMaine → DelawareMichigan → DelawareMinnesota → DelawareMissouri → DelawareMississippi → DelawareMontana → DelawareNorth Carolina → DelawareNorth Dakota → DelawareNebraska → DelawareNew Hampshire → DelawareNew Jersey → DelawareNew Mexico → DelawareNevada → DelawareNew York → DelawareOhio → DelawareOklahoma → DelawareOregon → DelawarePennsylvania → DelawareRhode Island → DelawareTennessee → DelawareTexas → DelawareUtah → DelawareVirginia → DelawareVermont → DelawareWashington → DelawareWisconsin → DelawareWyoming → Delaware

Delaware DMV & Registration

Delaware requires you to get a Delaware driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. Delaware's DMV handles both registration and licensing. Delaware has no front license plate requirement. Delaware has no state sales tax on vehicle purchases — this makes buying a car in Delaware attractive for nearby residents.

Official Delaware DMV →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move to Delaware?

Moves from neighboring states (Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey) run $1,000–$3,000. Moves from further north or south run $2,000–$5,000. Longer moves from the Midwest or South run $2,500–$6,000. Delaware routes in the data show origins from South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Idaho.

What is Delaware's income tax rate?

Delaware has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.6% starting at $60,000. Rates start at 2.2% on income over $2,000. There's no sales tax and no inheritance tax. Delaware exempts a portion of pension income and Social Security for older residents.

What are the best areas to live in Delaware?

Wilmington: Delaware's largest city, financial and corporate services hub, 25 miles from Philadelphia, urban neighborhoods with walkable amenities, $250K median home. Newark: home of University of Delaware, small-city feel, commutable to Wilmington and Philadelphia, $320K median. Dover: state capital, affordable, slower pace, $230K median. Rehoboth Beach area: popular beach community and retirement destination, significantly higher prices near the ocean. Sussex County: rural, affordable, growing retiree population.

Is Delaware really tax-free for shopping?

Delaware has no state sales tax — not even a low rate. Every retail purchase, from groceries to electronics to clothing, is sales-tax-free. For residents from neighboring states (Pennsylvania: 6%, Maryland: 6%, New Jersey: 6.625%), this creates meaningful savings on everyday purchases and large items like appliances, furniture, and vehicles. Delaware is a common day-trip shopping destination from the region for exactly this reason.

What is Delaware's proximity to major cities?

Wilmington to Philadelphia: 25 miles (30–45 minutes without traffic). Wilmington to Baltimore: 75 miles (70–90 minutes). Wilmington to Washington D.C.: 100 miles (90–120 minutes). Even the southern beach communities have reasonable access to metro areas via Route 1 and Route 113, though summer beach traffic adds significant time on weekends.