Delmarva Three-State Comparison Chart
REAL ESTATE: What Your Money Buys
| Delaware | Maryland Eastern Shore | Virginia Eastern Shore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal median (examples) | Bethany Beach ~$1.1M · Rehoboth ~$859K · Lewes ~$700K · Fenwick ~$1.32M | St. Michaels ~$860K · Ocean City ~$449K | Chincoteague ~$351K · Cape Charles ~$641K* |
| Near-coast / inland median | Ocean View ~$537K · Millsboro ~$465K | Easton ~$500K | — |
| North / capital region | Wilmington ~$300K · Newark ~$425K · Middletown ~$612K · Dover ~$384K | — | — |
| Market pace | Balanced; 50–100 days typical | Balanced; condos move slower | Small, slower markets |
| New construction | Abundant (Millsboro, Middletown, Smyrna corridors) | Moderate (Easton area) | Limited |
*Cape Charles figure is Census assessed value, not listing median.
Sources: realtor.com Economic Research (Sept 2026), Movoto (2026), Bright MLS, U.S. Census ACS 2024.
PROPERTY TAXES: The Annual Bill
| Delaware | Maryland | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. effective rate | ~0.5% (among lowest in U.S.) | ~1.0% | ~0.8% |
| Tax on a $500K home (illustrative) | ~$2,500/yr | ~$5,000/yr | ~$4,000/yr |
| Coastal county note | Sussex County ~0.31% — beach towns are the cheapest-taxed | County-set; varies | County/city-set; varies |
| Senior relief | Up to $500 school-tax credit at 65+ (10-yr residency required for post-2018 movers) | Limited senior programs | Local relief programs vary |
Illustrative figures use statewide average effective rates — actual bills vary by county and municipality. Sussex County, Delaware consistently ranks among the lowest-taxed coastal counties on the East Coast.
RETIREMENT: Keeping More of Your Income
| Delaware | Maryland | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security taxed? | No | No | No |
| Pension / 401(k) / IRA exclusion | $12,500 per person at 60+ ($2,000 under 60) | Partial — 65+ exclusion, amount indexed yearly | Up to $12,000 age deduction |
| Estate tax | None | Yes — $5M exemption, up to 16% | None |
| Inheritance tax | None | Yes — 10% on non-exempt heirs (only state with both) | None |
| Retiree verdict | Best in class | Weakest of the three | Solid middle |
THE FULL TAX PICTURE
| Delaware | Maryland | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax | 2.2%–6.95% (new 2026 brackets) | 2%–5.75% state + 2.25%–3.3% county | 2%–5.75% |
| Sales tax | 0% | 6% | 5.3% (2.5% groceries) |
| Annual car tax | No | No | Yes — local personal property tax |
| Overall burden | Lowest | Highest | Middle |
DON'T FORGET: The Costs Beyond Taxes
Taxes aren't the whole relocation math on Delmarva. Buyers should also weigh:
- Flood insurance — Much of coastal Delmarva sits in or near FEMA flood zones. Premiums vary enormously by exact zone and elevation; an oceanfront home's flood policy can cost several thousand dollars a year. Always check the FEMA flood map for the specific address before buying.
- Windstorm/hurricane deductibles — Coastal homeowners policies often carry separate, higher wind deductibles.
- HOA / condo fees — Common in 55+ communities and resort condos; can run several hundred dollars monthly.
- Seasonal costs — Second-home buyers should budget for off-season maintenance, storm prep, and property management if renting.
Sources: realtor.com Economic Research (Sept 2026), Movoto (2026), Bright MLS via beachlifeoceancity.com, Delaware Division of Revenue (2026 brackets), AARP, Comptroller of Maryland, Virginia Dept. of Taxation, U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024.