What's the Cost of Living in Rehoboth Beach, DE?

November 14th, 2023

What's the Cost of Living in Rehoboth Beach, DE?

Cost of Living Rehoboth Beach, DE

Is Rehoboth Beach an expensive place to live? Let's look deeper into the cost of living in Rehoboth Beach, the average household income, and other typical expenses. 

Rehoboth Beach, the Nation's Summer Capital, is an Atlantic Coast town that fronts the beach with many things to do. With a population of 1,151 residents, this town is a well-sought destination for vacation and relocation. 

Rehoboth Beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, as well as its picturesque lifestyle and stunning vistas. This city has been a popular getaway destination for beach-goers for years and now attracts visitors worldwide due to its year-round appeal.

If you are intersted in living in a beautiful coastal town with many waterfront and luxury homes, Rehoboth Beach may be the place for you. It may be known as a popular vacation destination, but there are also many other reasons to make this town your permanent home. 

If you are intersted in moving to Delaware and want to live by the coast, check out the beautiful waterfront homes in Rehoboth Beach. 

Keep reading to learn more about the cost of living and typical expenses in Rehoboth Beach, DE. 

Cost of Living Rehoboth Beach, DE

The cost of living for a single adult in Rehoboth Beach, including housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities, amounts to approximately $36,824 per year. This is below the state average of $39,517 and the national average of $38,433.

The overall cost of living is 4% higher than the national average and aligns with the state average. Rehoboth Beach is part of the Salisbury Metro area, ranked 77 out of 273 cities across the United States. 

Cost of Living Rehoboth Beach DE

With the proximity to Washington, D.C., Rehoboth Beach's cost of living is 150.8 on a scale where 100 represents the average United States city. Although this small city is more expensive than the surrounding areas, its many charming qualities make the cost of living worth it.

Lewes, DE, is 0% more expesnive than Rehoboth Beach. Below are some cost of living categories comparing the two cities to the national average to help you better understand the prices here. 

  Rehoboth Beach, DE Lewes, DE United States
Food and Groceries 114.9 109.0 100
Health 113.4 113.4 100
Housing 196.0 156.5 100
Utilities 101.1 101.1 100
Transportation 87.0 87.0 100

Sourced from BestPlaces

Real Estate

Housing expenses can be a significant expenditure when living somewhere. In Rehoboth Beach, the median cost of a home is $820,000, significantly higher than the national average. Due to its location and popularity, homes in this area tend to be more expensive than nearby cities.

As of September 2023, the median listing home price is trending down 17.6% year-over-year. Homes in Rehoboth Beach are sold for about 3% below the average asking price, and the housing market here is considered a buyer's market, meaning that the supply of homes is greater than the demand. 

Rehoboth Beach is a popular vacation destination, so many visitors still need to purchase permanent homes here. However, if you plan to relocate to this beautiful place, you will be pleased to know that plenty of options are available to help you find the perfect home.

So, if you want to buy a home in Rehoboth Beach, you are in luck because you may get a good deal. Homes here usually do sell fast, so plan quickly to prepare for your move. You must take advantage of the coastal town with so much to offer its residents, especially the breathtaking views you can have from the comfort of your home. 

If you are intersted in moving to Rehoboth Beach, check out single-family homesnew-construction homespool homes, and luxury homes for sale here. 

Homes beachfront view

Income

The median household income in Rehoboth Beach is about $117,083, much more than the rest of Delaware. On the other hand, the average median individual income is approximately $59,694, according to the United States Census Bureau

In Rehoboth Beach, most of the working population (about 94%) are white-collar workers, while only about 6% are blue-collar workers. Additionally, entrepreneurs comprise about 20% of the labor force, private company workers make up 40%, and governmental institutions employ around 15% of all workers.

The poverty rate in Rehoboth Beach is relatively low at 5.07%, while 30% of the households in the area are categorized as high-income households. However, income levels can vary due to the higher cost of living and housing expenses in this small area.

If you want to relocate to Rehoboth Beach, remember it is a smaller town with few job opportunities. Still, it is located near many metro cities, which makes it much easier for the residents to find more jobs. Keep an eye out for opportunities in the area if you are interested. 

Utilities

Rehoboth Beach residents will spend about $154.45 on their monthly energy bills, slightly higher than the state of Delaware and the national average. The average residential electricity rate in Rehoboth Beach is 14.9% greater than the national average

Owning and renting a property comes with utility expenses, including essential services like energy and telecommunications. However, these expenses vary depending on the service you use and the amount. 

Several electricity service providers operate here; it is essential to make sure you find the best plan that suits your needs. Here is a list of some of the most reliable producers in the area to help you out. 

Food

Food is an everyday expense that significantly impacts someone's life and the overall cost of living. Depending on your lifestyle, preferences, family size, and many other things can affect the overall cost of food here. 

In Rehoboth Beach, a single adult will spend, on average, $3,437 on food annually, while a family of four will spend about $9,927 on average. These numbers are about in line with the statewide average as well as the national average. 

As well as groceries, eating out may be more expensive here than usual, depending on the place. Since this is a popular vacation destination, recusants tend to be more expensive, so just be aware if you plan to eat out here. 

On the other hand, Rehoboth Beach has endless options of local favorite restaurants to eat at. Make sure to check out moving to Rehoboth Beach to see some of the top restaurants here. 

Healthcare

Out-of-pocket health care costs and insurance premiums are higher here than the average nationwide but are in line with the statewide average. For a single resident living in Rehoboth Beach, the average healthcare costs will be about $5,114 per year, which is about the same across Delaware but about $1K more than the national average. 

Knowing healthcare costs, including insurance premiums and plans, is essential when planning finances. Finding a plan that meets your and or your family's needs is critical. There are many options to choose from, so make sure you find the best fit for you to help the overall cost. 

Healthcare workers in Rehoboth Beach DE

Transportation

Transportation is a cost many overlook but can be a significant living component. In Rehoboth Beach, about 72% of the commuters drive to work, which is less than the national average. Many of these people commute outside the city as well. The average commute time here is about 29.8 minutes longer than usual. 

Taking into account all the expenses that go into transportation, such as gas, as well as public transit and car maintenance, the EPI has estimated that a single resident who lives here will spend about $10,467 a year on transportation costs, which is about $1K more than the national average. 

Rehoboth Beach has an original mass transit system, the Jolly Trolley, which provides daily service between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach during popular seasons due to the visitors. On the other hand, there is Delaware Commute Solutions, which helps employers and commuters find alternative modes of transportation to help reduce traffic and environmental quality. 

Taxes

Delaware overall has a graduated state individual income tax system, where tax rates range from 2.20% to 6.60%, according to the Tax Foundation. Depending on their income, everyone will vary the amount they pay in taxes. 

Considering state and federal income taxes and Medicare and other contributions, the average working resident in this city will pay about $6,382 annually on taxes, which is about the same as the state, just a little lower. 

One positive aspect of Delaware is that it doesn't have a sales tax, allowing for tax-free shopping. However, it's important to note that this can make many things more expensive overall. Therefore, it's essential to consider the cost of living and everyday expenses when planning a visit or move to Delaware.

Citywide view of Rehoboth Beach DE during sunset

FAQS

Is it expensive to live in Rehoboth Beach?

With the proximity to Washington, DC, the overall cost of living in Rehoboth Beach is 150.8 on a scale of 100, so it tends to be more expensive than other cities, especially in Delaware. 

Is Rehoboth Beach an excellent place to live in Delaware?

Rehoboth Beach is one of the best places to live in Delaware and offers its residents a dense suburban feel with many things to do, plus breathtaking scenery. 

Is Delaware a high-cost-of-living state?

Delaware's cost of living is only about 4% higher than the national average, which means it is a higher cost-of-living state for many reasons. Some costs, such as grocery and utility expenses, are generally lower, so it helps balance the prices in the form. 

Do people live in Rehoboth Beach year-round?

The year-round incorporated city of Rehoboth Beach has a population of 1,500 to 1,750 residents. Since this is a trendy vacation destination, the population fluctuates from seasonal to full-time residents. 

Rehoboth Beach ocean side view during sunset

Cost of Living Rehoboth Beach - The Bottom Line

Sadly, if you are searching for a cheaper place to live, Rehoboth Beach may not be in your favor since the overall cost of living is higher than the national average. Even though it may be more expensive here, the city does offer so much to its residents, which makes the cost worth it. 

With many things to do and diverse neighborhoods, Rehoboth Beach is a beautiful location where many people like to retire, get a second home, or visit. This place has unique qualities that other coastal towns don't have, so if you are a beachgoer looking for a scenic place to settle down, Rehoboth Beach may be perfect. 

Rehoboth Beach has long been a popular destination for beach-goers and tourists from all over the world. With its clear and clean waters, picturesque views, and year-round activities, it's easy to see why.

Rehoboth Beach is a vacation spot and offers numerous waterfront and luxurious homes for those who want to make it their permanent residence. Rehoboth Beach might be the perfect place if you are looking for a beautiful coastal town with plenty to offer.

Regardless of your location, budget, or preferences, we are committed to helping you through every step of the home-buying process. Contact us today, and one of our Realty Specialists will assist you. 

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Ryan Fitzgerald

Ryan Fitzgerald

Hi there! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I am a REALTOR®. My goal is to help you learn more about real estate through our Real Estate Blog! Hopefully, you enjoyed the above blog post and it found a way to provide help or value to you. When you're ready to buy or sell a home of your own let us know here. Please feel free to join the conversation by dropping us a comment below.

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