Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and Hawaii. Updated for 2026.
Hawaii 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 $2,899/month ($34,788/year) compared to Hawaii, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Delaware cost 57% less than in Hawaii — that's a difference of $475K on the median home. For buyers relocating from Hawaii to Delaware, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a Hawaii home could fund a much larger down payment in Delaware, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Delaware: 0.56%, Hawaii: 0.28%), 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.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan provides Up to 5% Preferred Plus, while Hawaii's HHFDC Hula Mae Program offers Below-market rate mortgages. 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 $475K less than Hawaii on average. That translates to roughly $2,899 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.