State Comparison

Delaware vs New Jersey

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

10
Delaware
DE
1 tied
of 16 metrics
5
New Jersey
NJ

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
DE: 101.5
NJ: 115.2
DE

Housing

Median Home Price
DE: $330,000
NJ: $470,000
DE
Median 2BR Rent
DE: $1,190/mo
NJ: $1,590/mo
DE
Closing Costs
DE: 3.50%
NJ: 3.50%
Tie
Transfer Tax Rate
DE: 3.00%
NJ: 0.40%
NJ

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
DE: 0.57%
NJ: 2.23%
DE
Top Income Tax Rate
DE: 6.60%
NJ: 10.75%
DE
Sales Tax Rate
DE: 0.00%
NJ: 6.63%
DE
Capital Gains Tax Rate
DE: 6.60%
NJ: 10.75%
DE

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
DE: $72,724
NJ: $89,296
NJ
Minimum Wage
DE: $15.00/hr
NJ: $15.49/hr
NJ
Max Unemployment Benefit
DE: $400/wk
NJ: $830/wk
NJ

Business

LLC Filing Fee
DE: $90
NJ: $125
DE
LLC Annual Fee
DE: $300
NJ: $75
NJ

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
DE: $1,680/yr
NJ: $1,920/yr
DE
Avg Home Insurance
DE: $1,150/yr
NJ: $1,360/yr
DE

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Delaware leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $330,000 in Delaware vs $470,000 in New Jersey — a $140,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Delaware has a 6.6% top income tax rate while New Jersey has a 10.75% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.57% vs 2.23%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Delaware's index is 101.5 and New Jersey's is 115.2 (national average = 100).

Run the Numbers

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

Delaware Property Tax Calculator New Jersey Property Tax Calculator Delaware Paycheck Calculator New Jersey Paycheck Calculator Delaware Cost of Living Calculator New Jersey Cost of Living Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delaware or New Jersey more affordable?

Delaware has a lower cost of living index (101.5) compared to New Jersey (115.2), 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 New Jersey?

Overall, Delaware has a lower combined tax burden. Delaware has a 6.6% top income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. New Jersey has a 10.75% top income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.

What are housing costs in Delaware vs New Jersey?

The median home price in Delaware is $330,000 compared to $470,000 in New Jersey. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,190/month in Delaware vs $1,590/month in New Jersey.

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

LLC filing costs are $90 in Delaware vs $125 in New Jersey, with annual fees of $300 and $75 respectively. Delaware's 6.6% top tax rate compared to New Jersey's 10.75% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Delaware to New Jersey?

It depends on your priorities. Delaware wins in 10 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

New York vs New Jersey New Jersey vs Pennsylvania New Jersey vs Connecticut New Jersey vs Massachusetts Delaware vs Maryland

Comparing Delaware and New Jersey

When deciding between living in Delaware or New Jersey, 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. New Jersey (NJ) has a median household income of $89,296 with a cost of living index of 115.2.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Delaware calculator or New Jersey 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.