Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,047 in Delaware versus $807 in South Dakota. Overall, South Dakota runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Delaware, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,336 in Delaware and $65,712 in South Dakota — about 11% higher in South Dakota. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
4.2%
+4.2 pp in South Dakota
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
None
+6.6 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,047
$807
+23% in Delaware
Median Home Value
$248,500
$270,000
+9% in South Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,336
$65,712
+13% in South Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
45.8°F
+9.1°F in Delaware
Delaware vs South Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or South Dakota?
- South Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $807 runs about 23% 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 South Dakota?
- 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 $32,000 in South Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or South Dakota?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. South Dakota has no state income tax and a 4.2% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Delaware/South Dakota — 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.