Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and New Hampshire. Updated for 2026.
Delaware and New Hampshire 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 $1,046/month — that’s $12,552/year or $377K 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 New Hampshire, you need a household income of approximately $149K/year. In Delaware, you need $104K/year — less by $45K/year. That $45K income gap means Delaware is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Home prices in Delaware and New Hampshire are relatively close, with only a 17% difference ($75K). 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.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Delaware charges 0.56% while New Hampshire charges 2.09%, a gap of 1.53 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means New Hampshire homeowners pay roughly $8,987 per year in property taxes versus $1,988 in Delaware. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Delaware averages $12K in closing costs (3.3% of purchase price) while New Hampshire averages $7K (1.6%). 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. Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan provides Up to 5% Preferred Plus, while New Hampshire's NHHFA Home Flex Plus offers Up to $20,000 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: property taxes are the defining difference here. New Hampshire's 2.09% rate versus Delaware's 0.56% means Delaware homeowners save approximately $6,999 every year on taxes alone. Over a 30-year mortgage, that difference compounds into tens of thousands of dollars — making it the most important cost factor in this comparison.