State Comparison

Delaware vs Maryland

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.

By StateCalc Updated

Overall Score

8
Delaware
DE
1 tied
of 16 metrics
7
Maryland
MD

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
DE: 101.7
MD: 121.1
DE

Housing

Typical Home Value
DE: $412,000
MD: $436,000
DE
2BR Fair Market Rent
DE: $1,675/mo
MD: $1,955/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: 0.54%
MD: 0.92%
DE
Top Income Tax Rate
DE: 6.60%
MD: 6.50%
MD
Sales Tax Rate
DE: 0.00%
MD: 6.00%
DE
Top Capital Gains Rate
DE: 6.60%
MD: 6.50%
MD

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
DE: $87,534
MD: $102,905
MD
Minimum Wage
DE: $15.00/hr
MD: $15.00/hr
Tie
Max Unemployment Benefit
DE: $450/wk
MD: $430/wk
DE

Business

LLC Filing Fee
DE: $110
MD: $100
MD
LLC Annual Fee
DE: $400
MD: $300
MD

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
DE: $1,462/yr
MD: $1,477/yr
DE
Avg Home Insurance
DE: $1,196/yr
MD: $1,578/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 $412,000 in Delaware vs $436,000 in Maryland — a $24,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Delaware has a 6.6% top income tax rate while Maryland has a 6.5% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.54% vs 0.92%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Delaware's index is 101.7 and Maryland's is 121.1 (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 (101.7) compared to Maryland (121.1), 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?

It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, Delaware is lower on more of them. Delaware has a 6.6% top income tax, 0% state sales tax, and a 0.54% effective property tax rate. Maryland has a 6.5% top income tax, 6% state sales tax, and a 0.92% effective property tax rate.

What are housing costs in Delaware vs Maryland?

The typical home value in Delaware is $412,000 compared to $436,000 in Maryland (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,675/month in Delaware vs $1,955/month in Maryland.

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

LLC filing costs are $110 in Delaware vs $100 in Maryland, with annual fees of $400 and $300 respectively. Delaware's 6.6% top tax rate compared to Maryland's 6.5% 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

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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 drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.

Delaware (DE) has a median household income of $87,534 with a cost of living index of 101.7. Maryland (MD) has a median household income of $102,905 with a cost of living index of 121.1. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.

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.

Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.