Moving to Delaware: costs, checklist and what to know
Delaware at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Wilmington · capital Dover · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Delaware
- Income tax: Delaware taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Delaware Division of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Delaware has no statewide sales tax.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Delaware driver's license within 60 days, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Wilmington (about 770 road miles) runs roughly $1,190–$2,270 with a rental truck or $2,630–$6,070 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Delaware
- Delaware has no sales tax, which makes buying furniture and appliances after the move cheaper.
- Delaware does have a state income tax, and the city of Wilmington adds its own wage tax.
- Beach towns in Sussex County are busy in summer, and seasonal rentals there book up early.
Main cities and metros include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Rehoboth Beach. Delaware borders Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
How much does it cost to move to Delaware?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Wilmington, the largest city in Delaware. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 2,840 | $4,070–$7,680 | $5,940–$13,520 |
| Chicago | 780 | $1,200–$2,290 | $2,650–$6,110 |
| Dallas | 1,530 | $2,270–$4,310 | $3,850–$8,810 |
| Atlanta | 770 | $1,190–$2,270 | $2,630–$6,070 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Delaware moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Delaware
Spring and fall. Summer beach traffic slows trips toward the shore, and coastal areas can be hit by Atlantic storms.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Delaware new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Delaware: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Delaware?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 770 miles from Atlanta to Wilmington costs roughly $1,190–$2,270 if you rent a truck or $2,630–$6,070 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Delaware have a state income tax?
Yes. Delaware taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Delaware Division of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Delaware?
Delaware has no statewide sales tax.
How long do I have to get a Delaware driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Delaware?
Spring and fall. Summer beach traffic slows trips toward the shore, and coastal areas can be hit by Atlantic storms.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Delaware Division of Revenue and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.