Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and Maryland. Updated for 2026.
Delaware and Maryland are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
The monthly payment difference is $643/month — that’s $7,716/year or $231K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Delaware is the more affordable option based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Based on the 28% debt-to-income rule — your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income.
To afford the median home in Maryland, you need a household income of approximately $132K/year. In Delaware, you need $104K/year — less by $28K/year. That $28K income gap means Delaware is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Home prices in Delaware and Maryland are relatively close, with only a 15% difference ($65K). At similar price points, your decision should focus on the other cost factors: property taxes, insurance, closing costs, and the overall quality of life each state offers. Small percentage differences in tax rates compound over decades of homeownership.
Delaware has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus Maryland's 1.09%. While the rate gap of 0.53% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,590 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $21K in savings.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan provides Up to 5% Preferred Plus, while Maryland's MD Mortgage Program offers Up to $25,000 DPA. 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 and Maryland are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $643/month separating them in total PITI payments. In cases like this, your decision should be driven by lifestyle preferences — job opportunities, climate, proximity to family, and quality of life — rather than pure cost savings. Either state offers a reasonable path to homeownership.