Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $83,857 in Washington — about 34% higher in Washington. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6.5%
+6.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
None
+6.6 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,024
$1,332
+30% in Washington
Median Home Value
$224,500
$454,600
+102% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$83,857
+52% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
52.1°F
+2.8°F in Delaware
Delaware vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Washington?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,024 runs about 23% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Washington?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Delaware/Washington — 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.