Startup Costs in Delaware

Data current as of May 2026

Delaware is famous for business incorporation - over 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated there - but that is primarily for legal structure advantages. If you are physically operating in Delaware, you benefit from zero sales tax, which is a major advantage for retail and food businesses. The $300 annual LLC tax is a notable ongoing cost to factor in.

Delaware (DE) by the Numbers

LLC Filing Fee
$90
Annual Report
$300
State Income Tax
6.60%
Sales Tax
0.00%
Min Wage
$15.00/hr
Cost of Living
1.03x
Labor Cost
1.02x
Rent Index
0.95x

What Delaware's Numbers Mean for Founders

  • State income tax caps at 6.60%.
  • Minimum wage is $15.00/hour - on the high end nationally, which lifts your entry-level labor costs.
  • Delaware charges no sales tax, a meaningful advantage for retail and food businesses.
Capital: Dover
Major metros: Wilmington, Dover, Newark
Top industries: Finance, Chemical, Agriculture, Healthcare

Delaware Cost Guides (10)