Delaware
Low tax burden · COL index 102
Wins 8 categories
Maryland
High tax burden · COL index 116
Wins 4 categories
Cost of living in Maryland (index 116) runs 14% higher than Delaware (index 102). Property taxes are meaningfully different: Maryland averages 0.97% annually vs Delaware's 0.55%.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
Delaware
4
Maryland
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Is it better to live in Maryland or Delaware?
Living in Delaware saves $2,450/year on $100k income vs Maryland. Delaware's biggest advantage: NO SALES TAX (vs MD's 6%). Delaware also has much lower property taxes (0.61% vs MD's 1.09%). Overall, Delaware offers significant tax advantages.
Why are Maryland residents moving to Delaware?
What is the 183 day rule in Maryland?
In Maryland, if you spend 183 days or more in the state, you're considered a resident and must file a state tax return. If you spend less time in Maryland, your tax obligations may differ.
Are taxes cheaper in Delaware or Maryland?
State income tax rates in Maryland and Delaware are similar, both hovering around 6%. However, Maryland residents also pay local county income taxes, which is an added cost Delaware does not impose. “It's that local tax that people get hit with in Maryland that Delaware doesn't have,” DeRose said.