Expat Lifestyle

Private Schools

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

A-

Senior Friendly

B+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

C+

Cost of Living

A-

Recreation

B-

Nightlife

Restaurants

B-

Crime

Expat Exchange > Delaware

Delaware

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (septa, amtrak, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (DART First State, relatively safe)

Delaware is a small Mid-Atlantic state located on the northeastern coast of the United States, bordered by Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Known as 'The First State' for being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware offers a unique blend of colonial history and modern development. The state features a mix of urban areas like Wilmington, charming small towns, and coastal communities along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Delaware's economy is historically tied to banking, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, with a business-friendly regulatory environment that attracts corporations. The culture reflects both its historical significance and contemporary diversity, with residents enjoying access to beaches, parks, and cultural institutions. Life in Delaware is generally relaxed and community-oriented, with reasonable proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore.

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Podcasts

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Best Places to Live in Delaware

Discover the top-ranked towns in Delaware. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Delaware on our Delaware forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Visit the Delaware Community

Cost of Living

Delaware has a moderate cost of living compared to neighboring Mid-Atlantic states, though prices have risen in recent years. Housing costs vary significantly by location, with median home prices ranging from $250,000 to $400,000+ depending on proximity to Wilmington or coastal areas; rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment average $1,000-$1,400 monthly in urban areas. Daily expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation are generally reasonable and slightly below the national average, making Delaware relatively affordable for the region.

Weather

Delaware experiences a humid subtropical to humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are mild to cool, with average temperatures ranging from 30-45°F, and occasional snow and ice storms. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 75-85°F, and the state is occasionally affected by Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms in late summer and fall. Spring and fall offer pleasant, moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.

Educational System in Delaware

The educational system in Delaware is structured similarly to that of other states in the U.S., with a mix of public and private institutions serving students from pre-kindergarten through high school. Education is compulsory for children from the age of 5 to 16. The system is divided into elementary school (grades K-5), middle school (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). Children typically start kindergarten at the age of 5 and graduate from high school at around 18 years old. Delaware's public schools are funded by a combination of state and local taxes, and the state has a reputation for having a strong commitment to education, with a focus on student performance and accountability. The Delaware Department of Education oversees the educational standards and curricula, ensuring that students receive a quality education that prepares them for college and careers. In addition to traditional public schools, Delaware offers charter schools, which are public schools with more flexibility in their operations, and a variety of private and parochial schools. The state also supports school choice, allowing parents to apply for their children to attend schools outside of their designated district. Delaware has been involved in various educational reforms and initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including the adoption of the Common Core State Standards and participation in the Race to the Top federal education grant program. Overall, the educational system in Delaware is designed to provide a comprehensive education that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in a rapidly changing world.