Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $1,418 in Maryland. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Maryland, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $95,150 in Maryland — about 42% higher in Maryland. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6%
+6.0 pp in Maryland
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
6.50%
+0.1 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,024
$1,418
+38% in Maryland
Median Home Value
$224,500
$365,200
+63% in Maryland
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$95,150
+72% in Maryland
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
57.1°F
+2.2°F in Maryland
Delaware vs Maryland — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Maryland?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,024 runs about 28% below Maryland's $1,418, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware than in Maryland?
- 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 $57,000 in Maryland.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Maryland?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Maryland has a top state income tax rate of 6.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Delaware/Maryland — 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.