Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Wilmington, Delaware

In Wilmington, Delaware, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.79 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.34 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,576.83, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.99% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Wilmington's cost-of-living index of 105 puts it above the national average of 100.

StatesDelawareWilmington

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.79

National: $3.45

150.4%vs. 2022

Avg Rent (All)

$1,576.83

National: $1,900

88.6%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

2.99%

Year-over-year

Fast Food Avg

$13.92

Combo meal

3.9%YoY

Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.78$2.10$2.71$3.93$2.12+19.1%
Milk (gallon)$3.64$3.86$3.82$3.93$4.01+10.2%
Ground Beef (lb)$4.07$5.15$5.35$5.67$5.78+42.0%
Bread (loaf)$2.22$3.00$3.27$3.43$3.43+54.5%
Chicken Breast (lb)$3.88$4.11$4.23$4.27$4.27+10.1%
Butter (lb)$4.20$4.70$5.03$5.18$5.44+29.5%
Bacon (lb)$6.63$7.02$7.52$7.82$8.22+24.0%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$5.92$6.38$6.70$6.97$7.04+18.9%
Pasta (lb)$1.51$1.81$1.90$2.00$2.04+35.1%
Rice (5 lb)$4.37$5.13$5.39$5.55$5.66+29.5%
Coffee (12 oz)$8.41$9.99$10.68$11.33$11.44+36.0%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$3.88$4.53$5.03$5.33$5.54+42.8%
Potatoes (5 lb)$3.96$4.16$4.41$4.59$4.68+18.2%
Apples (3 lb)$4.68$4.96$5.06$5.32$5.48+17.1%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.24$2.53$2.65$2.84$2.95+31.7%
Lettuce (head)$1.85$2.01$2.21$2.32$2.44+31.9%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$5.39$6.60$7.06$7.27$7.34+36.2%
Yogurt (32 oz)$4.37$4.67$5.00$5.30$5.46+24.9%
Cereal (family size)$4.80$5.58$5.97$6.15$6.21+29.4%
Frozen Pizza$6.32$7.58$8.10$8.76$8.93+41.3%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$13.92

Casual Dining

$25.72

Monthly Spend

$460.19

+3.88% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $8.63

$13.92

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $9.74

$15.03

+54.3%

Chipotle

2022: $10.44

$15.59

+49.3%

Starbucks

2022: $4.45

$6.18

+38.9%

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