New Jersey vs Delaware: Which Is Better to Live In?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and Delaware #30 as of the latest release. Delaware is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 99.8 vs 108.8), has a 3.8-point lower tax burden. Overall they are 1.4 points apart, too close to call: New Jersey leads 5 of 11 categories, Delaware leads 5.
- Violent crime rate is 44% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 347 in Delaware).
- Income needed to buy the typical home is 41% lower in Delaware ($98,191 vs. $167,639 in New Jersey).
- Total tax burden is 37% lower in Delaware (6.52% vs. 10.3% in New Jersey).
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap +1.4 pts | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | 53.6#30 of 50 · C+ | +1.4 pts | — | Even |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +9 pts (+9%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 99.8#32 of 50 | +9 pts+9% | 100 | DE |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$23,454 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$20,350#31 of 50 | -$23,454 | -$11,758 | DE |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$174,279 (+43%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $406,074#31 of 50 | +$174,279+43% | $368,697 | DE |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.78 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 6.52%#7 of 50 | +3.78 pts | 8.74% | DE |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -153 (-44%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 347#32 of 50 | -153-44% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$16,760 (+19%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $87,534#13 of 50 | +$16,760+19% | $80,903 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap -2.6 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 87.8%#16 of 50 | -2.6 pts | 85.62% | DE |
| Life expectancyGap +3.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 76.5#33 of 50 | +3.1 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -23,424 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +4,054#15 of 50 | -23,424 | -33 | DE |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is New Jersey or Delaware better to live in?
New Jersey scores 55 and Delaware scores 53.6 out of 100, a 1.4-point gap this site treats as even. New Jersey leads 5 of 11 categories, Delaware leads 5, and 1 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap +8.8 | 15% | 49.4#22 · B | 40.6#36 · C | +8.8 pts | NJ |
| Safety12% of scoregap +16.8 | 12% | 81.8#7 · A | 65.0#29 · C+ | +16.8 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap +28.2 | 12% | 78.1#4 · A+ | 49.9#30 · C+ | +28.2 pts | NJ |
| Education12% of scoregap +29.6 | 12% | 74.8#5 · A+ | 45.2#42 · C | +29.6 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap -22.5 | 10% | 39.6#45 · D | 62.1#30 · C+ | -22.5 pts | DE |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap -34 | 8% | 33.2#49 · F | 67.2#13 · B+ | -34 pts | DE |
| Growth7% of scoregap -30.2 | 7% | 19.7#46 · D | 49.9#13 · B+ | -30.2 pts | DE |
| Transportation7% of scoregap -1.9 | 7% | 45.9#36 · C | 47.8#30 · C+ | -1.9 pts | Even |
| Livability7% of scoregap -20.7 | 7% | 25.7#39 · C | 46.4#10 · A | -20.7 pts | DE |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -17.4 | 6% | 6.5#48 · D | 23.9#26 · B | -17.4 pts | DE |
| Environment4% of scoregap +3.9 | 4% | 37.4#31 · C+ | 33.5#37 · C | +3.9 pts | NJ |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is New Jersey cheaper than Delaware?
Delaware is cheaper: cost of living index 99.8 vs 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $23,454 more a year in Delaware after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +9 pts (+9%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 99.8#32 of 50 | +9 pts+9% | 100 | DE |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +10.9 pts (+11%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 96.2#19 of 50 | +10.9 pts+11% | 100 | DE |
| Residential electricity priceGap +5.50¢ (+32%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 17.13¢/kWh#34 of 50 | +5.50¢+32% | 17.84¢/kWh | DE |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$1.76 (-11%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $15.97/Mcf#27 of 50 | -$1.76-11% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.11 (-3%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $3.31/gal#32 of 50 | -$0.11-3% | $3.32/gal | NJ |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$725 (+4%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $17,252#32 of 50 | +$725+4% | $15,633 | DE |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap -$12,948 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | +$29,275costs $45,726 | -$12,948 | DE |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap -$16,949 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | +$20,096costs $54,904 | -$16,949 | DE |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap -$23,454 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | -$20,350costs $95,350 | -$23,454 | DE |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap -$14,726 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | +$33,227costs $41,774 | -$14,726 | DE |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap +$21,864 | $48,737 | $26,873 | +$21,864 | DE |
| ChildcareGap +$1,450 | $35,954 | $34,504 | +$1,450 | DE |
| UtilitiesGap +$432 | $5,222 | $4,790 | +$432 | Even |
| GroceriesGap +$1,228 | $12,063 | $10,835 | +$1,228 | DE |
| TransportationGap -$346 | $10,057 | $10,403 | -$346 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap -$1,174 | $6,771 | $7,945 | -$1,174 | NJ |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Delaware?
Delaware collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 6.52% vs 10.3%. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Delaware has high income tax, low property tax, low sales tax.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.78 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 6.52%#7 of 50 | +3.78 pts | 8.74% | DE |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +3.9 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | 7.85%#41 of 50 | +3.9 pts | 5.46% | DE |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.78 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 0.55%#7 of 50 | +1.78 pts | 1.02% | DE |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +6.6 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 0%#3 of 50 | +6.6 pts | 6.66% | DE |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or Delaware?
Homes cost 43% more in New Jersey: a typical home value of $580,353 in New Jersey vs $406,074 in Delaware. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of income in New Jersey and $98,191 in Delaware; the median household earns $104,294 and $87,534.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$174,279 (+43%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $406,074#31 of 50 | +$174,279+43% | $368,697 | DE |
| Home value change, one yearGap +2.6 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1.3%#34 of 50 | +2.6 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$536 (+27%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,977#36 of 50 | +$536+27% | $1,948 | DE |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$69,448 (+71%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $98,191#27 of 50 | +$69,448+71% | $100,006 | DE |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1x (+22%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.6x#29 of 50 | +1x+22% | 4.6x | DE |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| NJ | DE | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $2,986 | $2,089 |
| Income needed vs. median | +61% | +12% |
| Five-year change | +35.4% | +21.4% |
| Market temperature | Warm | Cool |
| Largest metro | Trenton | Salisbury |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in New Jersey or Delaware?
New Jersey pays more: median household income $104,294 vs $87,534, with unemployment at 5.2% in New Jersey and 4.8% in Delaware.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap +$16,760 (+19%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $87,534#13 of 50 | +$16,760+19% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +0.4 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 4.8%#45 of 50 | +0.4 pts | 3.95% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$290 (0%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $73,530#11 of 50 | +$2900% | $64,333 | Even |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.1 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.1%#20 of 50 | -0.1 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Population growthGap -0.5 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.94%#6 of 50 | -0.5 pts | +0.51% | Even |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Is New Jersey safer than Delaware?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 347 in Delaware (FBI). Property crime runs 1,250 and 1,559 per 100,000.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -153 (-44%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 347#32 of 50 | -153-44% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -310 (-20%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,559#30 of 50 | -310-20% | 1,535 | NJ |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
- Elsmere, DE144 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, New Jersey or Delaware?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #42), with high school graduation rates of 85.2% and 87.8%. New Jersey scores higher for health (#4 vs #30); life expectancy is 79.6 years in New Jersey and 76.5 in Delaware.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +19 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 263#47 of 50 | +19 | 273 | NJ |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +17 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 250#46 of 50 | +17 | 257 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap -2.6 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 87.8%#16 of 50 | -2.6 pts | 85.62% | DE |
| Life expectancyGap +3.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 76.5#33 of 50 | +3.1 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -8.9 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 36.6%#35 of 50 | -8.9 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +0.8 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 6.9%#23 of 50 | +0.8 pts | 7.6% | DE |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap -1 pts (-2%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 41#32 of 50 | -1 pts-2% | 38.8 | Even |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- Hoboken, NJeducation score 95.5
- Middletown, DEeducation score 95.3
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: New Jersey #5, Delaware #42. Health: New Jersey #4, Delaware #30.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to Delaware, or from Delaware to New Jersey?
2,434 households moved from New Jersey to Delaware and 1,241 moved from Delaware to New Jersey in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 1,193 households for Delaware. Movers to Delaware reported an average income of $101,410; movers to New Jersey reported $74,927. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 3,404 people (±1,047) moving from New Jersey to Delaware and 3,347 (±1,138) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +86,373 (+406%) | 107,653#14 of 50 | 21,280#42 of 50 | +86,373+406% | NJ |
| Households moving outIRSGap +109,797 (+637%) | 127,023#41 of 50 | 17,226#7 of 50 | +109,797+637% | DE |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -23,424 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +4,054#15 of 50 | -23,424 | DE |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -5.8 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +3.8#2 of 50 | -5.8 | DE |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$13,755 (+16%) | $102,190#4 of 50 | $88,435#10 of 50 | +$13,755+16% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$30,225 (+40%) | $106,727#3 of 50 | $76,502#19 of 50 | +$30,225+40% | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -10.4 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +6.5#4 of 50 | -10.4 | DE |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, New Jersey or Delaware?
New Jersey is the better fit for families; Delaware is the better fit for retirees, remote workers, young professionals, small business, and outdoor enthusiasts. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap -17 places | #20score 69.6 | #37score 56.9 | -17 places | NJ |
| RetireesGap +20 places | #43score 52.6 | #23score 62.7 | +20 places | DE |
| Remote WorkersGap +25 places | #49score 29.7 | #24score 52.5 | +25 places | DE |
| Young ProfessionalsGap +22 places | #43score 41.3 | #21score 56.2 | +22 places | DE |
| Small BusinessGap +25 places | #46score 36.8 | #21score 59.5 | +25 places | DE |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap +5 places | #35score 34.3 | #30score 39.3 | +5 places | DE |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesNew Jersey (#20 vs #37)
- RetireesDelaware (#23 vs #43)
- Remote WorkersDelaware (#24 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsDelaware (#21 vs #43)
- Small BusinessDelaware (#21 vs #46)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsDelaware (#30 vs #35)
Which cities stand out in New Jersey and Delaware?
New Jersey has 20 tracked cities and Delaware has 20; the largest are Newark and Wilmington. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Newark310,178 people | Wilmington71,727 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Hobokenscore 74.2 | North Starscore 72.3 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Clifton166 violent per 100K | Elsmere144 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Vinelandcost index 96 | Dovercost index 97.5 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 | Seafordwalkability 15 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 | Milfordcounty median AQI 39 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate | Middletown95.3% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 | Hockessinmedian income $171,204 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Newark+1.1% growth | Milford+4.6% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do New Jersey and Delaware compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. New Jersey carries A+ credit rating and Delaware AAA.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap +2 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 6%#46 of 50 | +2 pts | 29.34% | NJ |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -3.3 (-17%) · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 19.9#17 of 50 | -3.3-17% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +4.6 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 2.7%#41 of 50 | +4.6 pts | 17.16% | NJ |
| Mean travel time to workGap +5.1 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 26.8 min#36 of 50 | +5.1 min | 25.2 min | DE |
| Commuters using public transitGap +7.4 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 2.3%#14 of 50 | +7.4 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.6 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 12.9%#21 of 50 | +0.6 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.5 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 94.3%#10 of 50 | +0.5 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -20 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 100#13 of 50 | -20 pts | 92.7 | DE |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -5 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 10.2%#25 of 50 | -5 pts | 12.39% | DE |
| Pension funded ratioGap -32 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 87%#10 of 50 | -32 pts | 74.3% | DE |
| State debt per capitaGap +$3,710 (+80%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $4,630#42 of 50 | +$3,710+80% | $3,506 | DE |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -3.4 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +4.2%#31 of 50 | -3.4 pts | +4.66% | DE |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; New Jersey A+, Delaware AAA), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
New Jersey vs Delaware: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. New Jersey is ahead on 19 of 51, Delaware on 26, and 6 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | DelawareDE | GapNJ−DE | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +8,488,263 (+801%) · US 6.8 million | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | 1.1 million#45 of 50 | +8,488,263+801% | 6.8 million | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$16,760 (+19%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $87,534#13 of 50 | +$16,760+19% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +0.4 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 4.8%#45 of 50 | +0.4 pts | 3.95% | Even |
| Population growthGap -0.5 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.94%#6 of 50 | -0.5 pts | +0.51% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$290 (0%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $73,530#11 of 50 | +$2900% | $64,333 | Even |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.1 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.1%#20 of 50 | -0.1 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -153 (-44%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 347#32 of 50 | -153-44% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -310 (-20%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,559#30 of 50 | -310-20% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap -2.6 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 87.8%#16 of 50 | -2.6 pts | 85.62% | DE |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap +7 · US 237 | 240#10 of 50 | 233#40 of 50 | +7 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +19 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 263#47 of 50 | +19 | 273 | NJ |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap +12 · US 214 | 222#3 of 50 | 210#43 of 50 | +12 | 214 | NJ |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +17 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 250#46 of 50 | +17 | 257 | NJ |
| Life expectancyGap +3.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 76.5#33 of 50 | +3.1 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -8.9 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 36.6%#35 of 50 | -8.9 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +0.8 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 6.9%#23 of 50 | +0.8 pts | 7.6% | DE |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$174,279 (+43%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $406,074#31 of 50 | +$174,279+43% | $368,697 | DE |
| Home value change, one yearGap +2.6 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1.3%#34 of 50 | +2.6 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$536 (+27%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,977#36 of 50 | +$536+27% | $1,948 | DE |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$69,448 (+71%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $98,191#27 of 50 | +$69,448+71% | $100,006 | DE |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +9 pts (+9%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 99.8#32 of 50 | +9 pts+9% | 100 | DE |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1x (+22%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.6x#29 of 50 | +1x+22% | 4.6x | DE |
| Residential electricity priceGap +5.50¢ (+32%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 17.13¢/kWh#34 of 50 | +5.50¢+32% | 17.84¢/kWh | DE |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$1.76 (-11%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $15.97/Mcf#27 of 50 | -$1.76-11% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.11 (-3%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $3.31/gal#32 of 50 | -$0.11-3% | $3.32/gal | NJ |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +10.9 pts (+11%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 96.2#19 of 50 | +10.9 pts+11% | 100 | DE |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$725 (+4%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $17,252#32 of 50 | +$725+4% | $15,633 | DE |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.78 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 6.52%#7 of 50 | +3.78 pts | 8.74% | DE |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +3.9 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | 7.85%#41 of 50 | +3.9 pts | 5.46% | DE |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.78 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 0.55%#7 of 50 | +1.78 pts | 1.02% | DE |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +6.6 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 0%#3 of 50 | +6.6 pts | 6.66% | DE |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -20 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 100#13 of 50 | -20 pts | 92.7 | DE |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -5 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 10.2%#25 of 50 | -5 pts | 12.39% | DE |
| Pension funded ratioGap -32 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 87%#10 of 50 | -32 pts | 74.3% | DE |
| State debt per capitaGap +$3,710 (+80%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $4,630#42 of 50 | +$3,710+80% | $3,506 | DE |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -3.4 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +4.2%#31 of 50 | -3.4 pts | +4.66% | DE |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap -1 pts (-2%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 41#32 of 50 | -1 pts-2% | 38.8 | Even |
| Renewable share of electricityGap +2 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 6%#46 of 50 | +2 pts | 29.34% | NJ |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -3.3 (-17%) · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 19.9#17 of 50 | -3.3-17% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +4.6 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 2.7%#41 of 50 | +4.6 pts | 17.16% | NJ |
| Mean travel time to workGap +5.1 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 26.8 min#36 of 50 | +5.1 min | 25.2 min | DE |
| Commuters using public transitGap +7.4 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 2.3%#14 of 50 | +7.4 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.6 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 12.9%#21 of 50 | +0.6 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.5 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 94.3%#10 of 50 | +0.5 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
| Households moving inIRSGap +86,373 (+406%) · US 78,682 | 107,653#14 of 50 | 21,280#42 of 50 | +86,373+406% | 78,682 | NJ |
| Households moving outIRSGap +109,797 (+637%) · US 78,715 | 127,023#41 of 50 | 17,226#7 of 50 | +109,797+637% | 78,715 | DE |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -23,424 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +4,054#15 of 50 | -23,424 | -33 | DE |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -5.8 · US +0.4 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +3.8#2 of 50 | -5.8 | +0.4 | DE |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$13,755 (+16%) · US $77,690 | $102,190#4 of 50 | $88,435#10 of 50 | +$13,755+16% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$30,225 (+40%) · US $77,024 | $106,727#3 of 50 | $76,502#19 of 50 | +$30,225+40% | $77,024 | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -10.4 · US +1.1 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +6.5#4 of 50 | -10.4 | +1.1 | DE |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$23,454 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$20,350#31 of 50 | -$23,454 | -$11,758 | DE |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap -$12,948 · US +$31,418 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | +$29,275#31 of 50 | -$12,948 | +$31,418 | DE |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap -$14,726 · US +$35,970 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | +$33,227#31 of 50 | -$14,726 | +$35,970 | DE |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the New Jersey and Delaware numbers say when read together.
Neither state is better overall
New Jersey (55, #28) and Delaware (53.6, #30) are within 2 composite points. New Jersey leads 5 categories, Delaware leads 5, and 1 are even. The answer depends on which categories matter to you.
Delaware is cheaper day to day
Delaware's cost of living index is 99.8 against 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). The typical home costs $580,353 in New Jersey and $406,074 in Delaware. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 a year after typical costs in New Jersey and -$20,350 in Delaware.
Delaware takes a smaller share in taxes
New Jersey collects 10.3% of income in state and local taxes (high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack); Delaware collects 6.52% (high income tax, low property tax, low sales tax).
New Jersey pays more and is safer
Median household income is $104,294 in New Jersey and $87,534 in Delaware, with unemployment at 5.2% and 4.8%. Violent crime runs 194 per 100,000 residents in New Jersey and 347 in Delaware.
Moves between the two run about even
3,404 people moved from New Jersey to Delaware and 3,347 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.
New Jersey for families, Delaware for retirees
For families, New Jersey ranks #20 of 50 and Delaware #37; for retirees, New Jersey ranks #43 and Delaware #23.
New Jersey vs Delaware: frequently asked questions
Is New Jersey or Delaware better to live in?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and Delaware #30 as of the latest release. Delaware is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 99.8 vs 108.8), has a 3.8-point lower tax burden. Overall they are 1.4 points apart, too close to call: New Jersey leads 5 of 11 categories, Delaware leads 5.
Is New Jersey cheaper than Delaware?
Delaware is cheaper than New Jersey: cost of living index 99.8 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$43,804 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in New Jersey, and -$20,350 in Delaware. The typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $406,074 in Delaware.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Delaware?
Delaware has the lower tax burden: 6.52% of income in state and local taxes vs 10.3% in New Jersey. New Jersey's top income tax rate is 11.75%, its effective property tax rate 2.33% and its combined sales tax 6.6%; Delaware's are 7.85%, 0.55% and 0%.
Is New Jersey safer than Delaware?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 347 in Delaware, per the FBI. New Jersey ranks #6 of 50 for violent crime and Delaware #32. Property crime is 1,250 per 100,000 in New Jersey and 1,559 in Delaware. The safest tracked cities are Clifton, NJ, and Elsmere, DE.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or Delaware?
Homes are 43% more expensive in New Jersey: the typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $406,074 in Delaware. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of household income in New Jersey and $98,191 in Delaware, against median incomes of $104,294 and $87,534.
Do people earn more in New Jersey or Delaware?
New Jersey pays more: median household income is $104,294 vs $87,534 in Delaware, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 5.2% in New Jersey and 4.8% in Delaware.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to Delaware or from Delaware to New Jersey?
2,434 households moved from New Jersey to Delaware and 1,241 moved from Delaware to New Jersey in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 1,193 households for Delaware. Movers to Delaware reported an average income of $101,410; movers to New Jersey reported $74,927. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 3,404 people (±1,047) moving from New Jersey to Delaware and 3,347 (±1,138) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Which is better for retirees, New Jersey or Delaware?
Delaware is the better fit for retirees: #23 of 50 on the retiree index vs #43 for New Jersey. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Delaware has high income tax, low property tax, low sales tax. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$18,501 left after typical costs in New Jersey and +$33,227 in Delaware.
Which is better for families, New Jersey or Delaware?
New Jersey is the better fit for families: #20 of 50 on the families index vs #37 for Delaware. Center-based infant care costs $17,977 a year in New Jersey and $17,252 in Delaware. High school graduation rates are 85.2% and 87.8%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 after typical costs in New Jersey and -$20,350 in Delaware.
Which has better schools, New Jersey or Delaware?
New Jersey scores higher for education: #5 of 50 vs #42 for Delaware. Eighth graders average 282 in NAEP math in New Jersey and 263 in Delaware. High school graduation rates are 85.2% in New Jersey and 87.8% in Delaware, and the education category scores are 74.8 and 45.2 out of 100. Among tracked cities, Hoboken and Middletown have the strongest school metrics.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside New Jersey vs Delaware.
Why this pair is featured: bordering states, major moving corridor (2,434 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).