Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and Massachusetts. Updated for 2026.
Delaware and Massachusetts 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 $1,959/month — that’s $23,508/year or $705K 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 Massachusetts, you need a household income of approximately $188K/year. In Delaware, you need $104K/year — less by $84K/year. That $84K income gap means Delaware is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Delaware offers meaningfully lower home prices than Massachusetts, with median prices running 40% less ($240K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Massachusetts may find Delaware far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Delaware has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus Massachusetts's 1.2%. While the rate gap of 0.64% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $5,152 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $41K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Delaware at $1,300/year versus $2,200/year in Massachusetts, a difference of $900 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $9K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan provides Up to 5% Preferred Plus, while Massachusetts's MassHousing DPA offers Up to $50,000 DPA loan. 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 $240K less than Massachusetts on average. That translates to roughly $1,959 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.