Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 13% higher in Tennessee. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
7%
+7.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
None
+6.6 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,024
$1,142
+12% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$224,500
$270,100
+20% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$63,204
+14% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
61.3°F
+6.4°F in Tennessee
Delaware vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Tennessee?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,024 runs about 10% below Tennessee's $1,142, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware than in Tennessee?
- 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 $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Tennessee?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Delaware/Tennessee — 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.