Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Delaware and Washington 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.
Buying in Delaware saves you approximately $1,697/month ($20,364/year) compared to Washington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Delaware offers meaningfully lower home prices than Washington, with median prices running 39% less ($225K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Washington 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 Washington's 0.98%. While the rate gap of 0.42% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $3,696 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $30K in savings.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Delaware averages $12K in closing costs (3.3% of purchase price) while Washington averages $8K (1.4%). 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 Washington's WSHFC Home Advantage offers Up to $10,000 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 homes cost $225K less than Washington on average. That translates to roughly $1,697 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.