Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,047 in Delaware versus $1,183 in New Jersey. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than New Jersey, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,336 in Delaware and $53,766 in New Jersey — about 8% higher in Delaware. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Delaware vs New Jersey — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or New Jersey?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,047 runs about 11% below New Jersey's $1,183, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware than in New Jersey?
- 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 $47,000 in New Jersey.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or New Jersey?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Delaware/New Jersey — 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.