State Comparison

Delaware vs Maryland

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

8
Delaware
DE
2 tied
of 16 metrics
6
Maryland
MD

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
DE: 101.5
MD: 115.4
DE

Housing

Median Home Price
DE: $330,000
MD: $395,000
DE
Median 2BR Rent
DE: $1,190/mo
MD: $1,550/mo
DE
Closing Costs
DE: 3.50%
MD: 3.20%
MD
Transfer Tax Rate
DE: 3.00%
MD: 0.50%
MD

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
DE: 0.57%
MD: 1.09%
DE
Top Income Tax Rate
DE: 6.60%
MD: 5.75%
MD
Sales Tax Rate
DE: 0.00%
MD: 6.00%
DE
Capital Gains Tax Rate
DE: 6.60%
MD: 5.75%
MD

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
DE: $72,724
MD: $90,203
MD
Minimum Wage
DE: $15.00/hr
MD: $15.00/hr
Tie
Max Unemployment Benefit
DE: $400/wk
MD: $430/wk
MD

Business

LLC Filing Fee
DE: $90
MD: $100
DE
LLC Annual Fee
DE: $300
MD: $300
Tie

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
DE: $1,680/yr
MD: $1,840/yr
DE
Avg Home Insurance
DE: $1,150/yr
MD: $1,650/yr
DE

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Delaware leads in 8 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $330,000 in Delaware vs $395,000 in Maryland — a $65,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Delaware has a 6.6% top income tax rate while Maryland has a 5.75% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.57% vs 1.09%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Delaware's index is 101.5 and Maryland's is 115.4 (national average = 100).

Run the Numbers

Use our free calculators with real Delaware and Maryland data to model your specific scenario.

Delaware Property Tax Calculator Maryland Property Tax Calculator Delaware Paycheck Calculator Maryland Paycheck Calculator Delaware Cost of Living Calculator Maryland Cost of Living Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delaware or Maryland more affordable?

Delaware has a lower cost of living index (101.5) compared to Maryland (115.4), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Delaware or Maryland?

Overall, Delaware has a lower combined tax burden. Delaware has a 6.6% top income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Maryland has a 5.75% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 1.09% property tax.

What are housing costs in Delaware vs Maryland?

The median home price in Delaware is $330,000 compared to $395,000 in Maryland. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,190/month in Delaware vs $1,550/month in Maryland.

Which state is better for starting a business — Delaware or Maryland?

LLC filing costs are $90 in Delaware vs $100 in Maryland, with annual fees of $300 and $300 respectively. Delaware's 6.6% top tax rate compared to Maryland's 5.75% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Delaware to Maryland?

It depends on your priorities. Delaware wins in 8 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Related Comparisons

Pennsylvania vs Maryland Maryland vs Virginia Delaware vs New Jersey

Comparing Delaware and Maryland

When deciding between living in Delaware or Maryland, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Delaware (DE) has a median household income of $72,724 with a cost of living index of 101.5. Maryland (MD) has a median household income of $90,203 with a cost of living index of 115.4.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Delaware calculator or Maryland calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.