Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $64,017 in Virginia — about 14% higher in Virginia. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
5.3%
+5.3 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
5.75%
+0.8 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,024
$1,195
+17% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$224,500
$328,100
+46% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$64,017
+16% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
59.9°F
+5.0°F in Virginia
Delaware vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Virginia?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,024 runs about 14% below Virginia's $1,195, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware than in Virginia?
- 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 $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Virginia?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Delaware/Virginia — 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.