This Midwest Town Is Among the Most Expensive Places to Retire. Is The Price Worth It?

Delaware, Ohio, blends small-town warmth with proximity to Columbus—but its retirement costs may surprise those expecting typical Midwest affordability. From a median county-level home value of $419,500 to senior healthcare costs starting at $16,000 per year, you may want to think twice before calling Delaware your final home.

Understanding the Costs

Before retiring in Delaware, Ohio, you must ensure you can afford the high living costs. 

Property Prices

Buying a home in Delaware County can get expensive. The median county-level home value is $419,500, over 1.5 times the statewide median home listing price ($275,525). This is partly driven by an ongoing statewide housing shortage and persistent demand.

Healthcare Costs

As a retiree, access to good healthcare is a must, and Delaware delivers: The county has 3 hospitals and 540 healthcare establishments. However, these benefits come with a cost.

In 2019 (the latest data available), Delaware County residents spent $9,137.18 per person on healthcare, nearly 20% more than the statewide average ($7,559.55). Meanwhile, senior healthcare costs were even higher. Women ages 65 and up spent $16,000 to $24,000 annually, while their male counterparts spent anywhere from $19,000 to $26,000.

Local Taxes

Taxes are another cost burden to consider before moving to Delaware. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimate, Delaware County residents had a 2023 effective property tax rate of 1.6439%, 33 basis points higher than the statewide rate.

Meanwhile, the city of Delaware levies a 1.85% income tax. That’s on top of Ohio’s graduated state individual income tax, with rates ranging from 2.75% to 3.5%, and federal income tax. Furthermore, the state has a 5.75% state sales tax rate and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.24%.

Together, these taxes can make a serious dent in your retirement income. 

What Makes Delaware, Ohio, So Expensive?

Delaware’s high cost of living is mainly driven by its proximity to Columbus. Located just 30 minutes away, Columbus is a major metro that offers access to jobs, universities, entertainment, high-quality healthcare, and the John Glenn Columbus International Airport. 

However, Delaware also offers its own appealing amenities, including a historic downtown, boutique shops, dining, walkable neighborhoods, parks, and entertainment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the county has 147 arts and entertainment establishments.

Another reason Delaware is an expensive retirement destination is its limited housing inventory, particularly for seniors. In May 2025, listing platform Zillow showed 336 properties for sale, of which only 37 were single-story homes and just 18 were in 55+ communities.

Retirement Considerations in Delaware, OH

When choosing whether to retire in Delaware, OH, weigh the pros and cons:

Pros of Retiring in Delaware, OH

• High quality of life. From its charming downtown to its strong sense of community, Delaware offers its residents a high quality of life, including access to quality healthcare, with the county ranked among the healthiest counties in Ohio and the nation in 2025.
• Close to Columbus. Delaware is a 30-minute drive from Columbus, giving residents access to urban amenities, including the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
• Low crime rate. Compared to the rest of the country, Delaware is relatively safe. According to the latest data from the FBI, the city’s crime rate is 49% lower than the state average and 56% lower than the national average.

Cons of Retiring in Delaware, OH

• High taxes. When you add up federal, state, and city-level income taxes with property and sales taxes, living in Delaware can significantly strain retirees living on a fixed income. Across the county, residents pay an average of $787 in monthly taxes. 
• Expensive housing. The average monthly housing cost in Delaware is $1,790. However, if you want to buy a home, you’re likely looking at a much higher payment, with the median home listing price in the county hovering over $400,000.
• High cost of living. The overall cost of living in Delaware County is higher than any other county in the state. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the cost of living for a two-parent, two-child family is $115,383 per year, or $9,615 per month.

The Bottom Line

Delaware, Ohio, offers a high-quality retirement lifestyle in a quaint city, but retirees should prepare for costs that don’t align with typical Midwest expectations. While its charm, safety, and proximity to Columbus are undeniable draws, the premium price tag may mean it’s only suitable if you have a strong enough financial cushion.