Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $877 in Kentucky. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Delaware, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $64,731 in Kentucky — about 15% higher in Kentucky. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6%
+6.0 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
3.50%
+3.1 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,024
$877
+14% in Delaware
Median Home Value
$224,500
$232,100
+3% in Kentucky
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$64,731
+17% in Kentucky
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
58.0°F
+3.1°F in Kentucky
Delaware vs Kentucky — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Kentucky?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 14% 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 Kentucky?
- 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 Kentucky.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Kentucky?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Delaware/Kentucky — 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.