Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $1,100 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 7% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 9% higher in Pennsylvania. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Delaware vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Pennsylvania?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,024 runs about 7% below Pennsylvania's $1,100, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware than in Pennsylvania?
- 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 $44,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Pennsylvania?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Delaware/Pennsylvania — 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.