Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,047 in Delaware versus $777 in Iowa. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Delaware, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,336 in Delaware and $64,497 in Iowa — about 10% higher in Iowa. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6%
+6.0 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
3.80%
+2.8 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,047
$777
+26% in Delaware
Median Home Value
$248,500
$177,100
+29% in Delaware
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,336
$64,497
+11% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
49.3°F
+5.6°F in Delaware
Delaware vs Iowa — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Iowa?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 26% below Delaware's $1,047, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware than in Iowa?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $42,000 a year in Delaware versus $31,000 in Iowa.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Iowa?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Delaware/Iowa — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.