Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,047 in Delaware versus $758 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Delaware, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,336 in Delaware and $43,146 in West Virginia — about 26% higher in Delaware. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% 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 West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $758 runs about 28% 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 West Virginia?
- 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 $30,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or West Virginia?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no state sales tax. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Delaware/West 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.