Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Colorado and Delaware. Updated for 2026.
Colorado wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Delaware has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in Delaware saves you approximately $1,214/month ($14,568/year) compared to Colorado, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Delaware offers meaningfully lower home prices than Colorado, with median prices running 32% less ($165K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Colorado may find Delaware far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Colorado: 0.51%, Delaware: 0.56%), so taxes shouldn't be the deciding factor in your relocation decision. Instead, focus on differences in home prices, insurance costs, and state-specific programs. Both states collect roughly comparable property tax revenue relative to home values.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Delaware ($1,300/year) compared to Colorado ($3,200/year). That's an extra $1,900 per year — or $158/month — eating into your budget in Colorado. Colorado's high insurance costs are often driven by severe weather risks (hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires), which also affect availability of coverage.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Delaware averages $12K in closing costs (3.3% of purchase price) while Colorado averages $7K (1.4%). Much of Delaware's higher costs come from its 4% transfer tax, which adds $14K to the median home purchase. Budget for these upfront costs — they affect how much cash you need on hand at closing.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Colorado's CHFA Down Payment Assistance provides Up to $25,000 second mortgage, while Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan offers Up to 5% Preferred Plus. These programs can significantly reduce your upfront costs and make homeownership accessible even if you haven't saved a full 20% down payment. Check eligibility requirements on each state's housing finance agency website — income limits and purchase price caps apply.
The bottom line: Delaware homes cost $165K less than Colorado on average. That translates to roughly $1,214 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Delaware. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.