Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,047 in Delaware versus $964 in Michigan. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Delaware, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,336 in Delaware and $65,526 in Michigan — about 11% higher in Michigan. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6%
+6.0 pp in Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
4.25%
+2.3 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,047
$964
+8% in Delaware
Median Home Value
$248,500
$225,500
+9% in Delaware
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,336
$65,526
+12% in Michigan
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
49.1°F
+5.8°F in Delaware
Delaware vs Michigan — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Michigan?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $964 runs about 8% 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 Michigan?
- 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 $39,000 in Michigan.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Michigan?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Delaware/Michigan — 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.