Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and Vermont. Updated for 2026.
Vermont 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.
The monthly payment difference is $571/month — that’s $6,852/year or $206K 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 Vermont, you need a household income of approximately $128K/year. In Delaware, you need $104K/year — less by $24K/year. That $24K income gap means Delaware is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Home prices in Delaware and Vermont are relatively close, with only a 7% difference ($25K). 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 Vermont charges 1.9%, a gap of 1.34 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Vermont homeowners pay roughly $7,220 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 Vermont averages $6K (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 Vermont's VHFA MOVE Mortgage offers $5K–$15K 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. Vermont's 1.9% rate versus Delaware's 0.56% means Delaware homeowners save approximately $5,232 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.