Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $870 in Iowa. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Delaware, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $63,966 in Iowa — about 14% 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
$1,024
$870
+15% in Delaware
Median Home Value
$224,500
$183,700
+18% in Delaware
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$63,966
+16% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
50.9°F
+4.0°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 $870 runs about 15% below Delaware's $1,024, 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 $41,000 a year in Delaware versus $35,000 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 1/1 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.