Midwest Town tops list of most expensive retirement locations. Is the cost justified?

Delaware, Ohio combines small-town warmth with proximity to Columbus, but its retirement costs may surprise those anticipating Midwestern affordability. From a countywide median 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 ultimate home.

Understand costs

Before retiring in Delaware, Ohio, you should make sure you can afford the high cost of living.

Real estate prices

Buying a home in Delaware County can be expensive. The countywide median home value is $419,500, more than 1.5 times the statewide median home list price ($275,525). This is due in part to the ongoing statewide housing shortage and persistent demand.

Health care costs

As a retiree, access to quality healthcare is essential, and Delaware offers the following: The county has 3 hospitals and 540 healthcare institutions. However, these benefits come with a cost.

In 2019 (the most recent data available), Delaware County residents spent $9,137.18 per person on health care, nearly 20% more than the statewide average ($7,559.55). Meanwhile, health care costs for seniors were even higher. Women ages 65 and older spend between $16,000 to $24,000 annually, while their male counterparts spend between $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 5-year 2023 American Community Survey estimate, Delaware County residents had an effective 2023 property tax rate of 1.6439%, 33 basis points higher than the statewide rate.

Meanwhile, Delaware has a 1.85% income tax. This is in addition to Ohio’s graduated individual income tax, with rates ranging from 2.75% to 3.5%, and federal income tax. Furthermore, the state sales tax rate is 5.75% in the state and the combined average state and local sales tax rate is 7.24%.

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

What makes Delaware, Ohio, so expensive?

The high cost of living in Delaware is mainly due to its proximity to Columbus. Columbus is just 30 minutes away, a major metro providing access to jobs, universities, entertainment, high-quality healthcare and the John Glenn Columbus International Airport. However, Ohio offers other, more retirement-friendly cities to choose from.

However, Delaware also offers its own attractive amenities, including a historic downtown, boutique shops and restaurants, walkable neighborhoods, parks and entertainment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 147 arts and entertainment organizations in the county.

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

Retirement Considerations in Delaware, Ohio

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

Pros of Retiring in Delaware, Ohio

• 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 health care, with the county ranking 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 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, Ohio

• High taxes. When you add federal, state, and city income taxes along with property and sales taxes, living in Delaware can significantly strain retirees living on a fixed income. Countywide, residents pay an average of $787 in monthly taxes.
• Housing is expensive. 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 down payment, as the median home listing price in the county is more than $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 family of two parents and two children is $115,383 per year, or $9,615 per month.

Delaware, Ohio offers a quality retirement lifestyle in an attractive city, but retirees must prepare for costs that do not match typical Midwestern expectations. While its charm, safety, and proximity to Columbus are undeniable attractions, the premium price may mean it’s only suitable if you have a strong enough financial cushion.