The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Wilmington

This analysis assumes a single filer taking the standard deduction. It ignores local city taxes, as Wilmington does not impose one.

1. The Verification Test

Your $100,000 gross salary is not your take-home pay. Delaware has a progressive income tax, though it is moderate compared to the highest-tax states.

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax (2024 Brackets): ~$14,129
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): $7,650
• Delaware State Income Tax: ~$5,360
  • Note: Delaware taxes income over $60,000 at 6.6%.
• ESTIMATED Annual Net Pay: ~$72,861
• ESTIMATED Monthly Net Pay: ~$6,072

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Using the $6,072 monthly net figure.

Needs (50%): $3,036

• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,451
• Utilities (Electric/Heating/Water): ~$150
• Groceries: ~$400
• Car Insurance / Gas: ~$300
• Health Insurance (Post-Employer Contribution): ~$200
• Remaining for other needs (Phone, etc): $535

Wants (30%): $1,821

• Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, shopping. This is your discretionary spending cap.

Savings (20%): $1,214

• Retirement contributions (401k), emergency fund, or general investments.

3. Wilmington Tax Context

Delaware is a "middle-of-the-road" tax state. It is nowhere near as tax-friendly as Texas or Florida (which have 0% state income tax), but it is significantly cheaper than California or New York.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: You lose roughly $5,360 annually to state income tax here that you wouldn't there. However, property taxes in Delaware are generally lower than in Texas, which may offset the cost for homeowners.
• Vs. California/NY: You are saving significantly. California would take roughly $12,000 more in state income tax for a $100k salary. New York would take roughly $9,000 more.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a livable salary. You will be comfortable, but you are not "wealthy." After taxes and a modest $1,451 rent, you have roughly $6,000 left. If you have student loans, childcare, or drive a luxury car, that margin disappears quickly.

"Local income tax?"
Wilmington City does not levy a local income tax. You only pay State and Federal.