State Comparison

Delaware vs North Carolina

North Carolina is cheaper overall, while Delaware has higher incomes, North Carolina has lower state income tax, and North Carolina gets more sunshine.

Delaware

DE • South

Quality of Life Score

50.03

North Carolina

NC • South

Better quality of life

Quality of Life Score

52.32

Delaware

13 / 31

metrics won

Score

North Carolina

18 / 31

metrics won

Wins

NC wins Quality of Life

NC wins Climate

DE wins Income

NC wins Demographics

Quality of Life

Composite score — income, affordability, education, health, and safety.

Delaware

50.03

North Carolina winner

52.32

North Carolina scores higher on quality of life — 2.29 points difference.

Quick Take

Delaware vs North Carolina

This quick read mixes affordability, housing, income, politics, density, and climate so the biggest tradeoffs show up fast.

Delaware is about 22 times smaller than North Carolina.
North Carolina has a larger population than Delaware by 9,449,440 people.
North Carolina has the lower cost-of-living index. North Carolina is at 96.4, while Delaware is at 103.2.
Delaware has the higher median household income at $79,325, compared with $63,947 in North Carolina.

Overview

Key differences overview

These cards keep the comparison factual first, so the biggest tradeoffs in affordability, housing, taxes, politics, climate, and day-to-day living are easy to scan.

Overall Affordability

North Carolina is 6.8 points cheaper overall

North Carolina has the lower cost-of-living index. North Carolina is at 96.4, while Delaware is at 103.2.

View detailed comparison

Income

Delaware income is 24.0% higher

Delaware has the higher median household income at $79,325, compared with $63,947 in North Carolina.

View detailed comparison

Jobs

Delaware minimum wage is $7.75 higher

Delaware has the higher statewide minimum wage at $15.00/hr, compared with $7.25/hr in North Carolina.

View detailed comparison

Housing

Delaware homes cost about 1.1x more

North Carolina has the lower median home value at $273,600, versus $296,700 in Delaware.

View detailed comparison

Taxes

North Carolina has lower state income tax

North Carolina has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 4.50%, compared with 6.60% in Delaware.

View detailed comparison

Cost of Driving

Delaware has slightly cheaper gas

Delaware has the lower regular gas price at $3.914/gal, versus $3.931/gal in North Carolina.

View detailed comparison

Full Comparison

Pick a category to focus on. General shows the most important facts at a glance.

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Dover	Raleigh	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Swing State	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	989,948	10,439,388	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$79,325	$63,947	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	103.2	96.4	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$296,700	$273,600	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.50%	0.66%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.60%	4.50%	Details ->
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$15.00/hr	$7.25/hr	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.914/gal	$3.931/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.51 c/kWh	13.68 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	50.03	52.32	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	55.3°F	59.0°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	97 days	109 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	2,489 sq mi	53,819 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	397.7 per sq mi	194.0 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 7, 1787 (#1)	November 21, 1789 (#12)	Details ->

Population -> Median Income -> Cost of Living -> Median Housing Value -> Property Tax -> State Income Tax -> Minimum Wage -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Livability Score -> Average Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Land Area -> Population Density ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	989,948	10,439,388	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	397.7 per sq mi	194.0 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	36.5%	36.8%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	15.5%	13.8%	Details ->

Population -> Population Density -> Bachelor's Degree -> Advanced Degree ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$15.00/hr	$7.25/hr	Details ->

Minimum Wage ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	50.03	52.32	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	103.2	96.4	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.914/gal	$3.931/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.51 c/kWh	13.68 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	25.7 min	25.4 min	Details ->

Livability Score -> Cost of Living -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Commute Time ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	55.3°F	59.0°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	74.2°F	75.7°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	36.1°F	42.1°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	97 days	109 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	45.7 in	50.3 in	Details ->

Average Temperature -> Summer Temperature -> Winter Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Annual Precipitation ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$296,700	$273,600	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$1,222/mo	$1,142/mo	Details ->
Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households with a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Owner Costs Without Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households without a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Homeownership Rate Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied.	74.0%	66.7%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	3.74x	4.28x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	18.5%	21.4%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	16.6%	15.9%	Details ->

Median Housing Value -> Median Gross Rent -> Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage -> Owner Costs Without Mortgage -> Homeownership Rate -> Home Value to Income Ratio -> Rent to Income Ratio -> Owner Costs to Income ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.60%	4.50%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	None (0%)	4.75%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.50%	0.66%	Details ->

State Income Tax -> State Sales Tax -> Property Tax ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Swing State	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Dem +14.70	Rep +3.21	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	Battleground	Details ->
Governor Party Current governor's party (NCSL partisan composition, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Democratic	Details ->
State House Control Current partisan control of the lower legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Republican	Details ->
State Senate Control Current partisan control of the upper legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Republican	Details ->
Trifecta Whether one party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Democratic Trifecta	No Trifecta	Details ->

Presidential Voting Margin ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Gun Laws Status Simplified statewide gun-law label based on current Giffords grades: A to B = Restrictive, C to F = Permissive (scorecard modified February 20, 2026).	Restrictive	Permissive	Details ->
Alcohol Laws Whether the state uses a control-state or license-state model for distilled-spirit sales (NABCA directory accessed April 6, 2026).	License State	Control State	Details ->
Marijuana Legalization Current statewide marijuana status: Legal, Medical, or Illegal (NCSL state cannabis laws page updated June 27, 2025).	Legal	Medical	Details ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	2,489 sq mi	53,819 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Ebright Azimuth (448 ft)	Mount Mitchell (6,684 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 7, 1787 (#1)	November 21, 1789 (#12)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Dover	Raleigh	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	South	South	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	76.9 yrs	75.7 yrs	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	6.5%	9.2%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	36.6%	34.5%	Details ->

Life Expectancy -> Uninsured Rate -> Obesity Rate ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	404.0	346.4	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	1991.2	2098.5	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	DE	NC	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$79,325	$63,947	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	100.9	95.2	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	10.5%	12.8%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	59.6%	59.5%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	5.2%	3.9%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	1.1%	1.6%	Details ->

Median Income -> Regional Price Parity -> Poverty Rate -> Employment/Population Ratio -> Unemployment Rate -> Job Growth ->

Intent-Oriented

Which state fits your priorities better?

Use these cards as decision shortcuts for common goals like saving money, buying a home, finding better weather, or optimizing for work and family life.

Saving Money

North Carolina is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 96.4 vs 103.2 in Delaware. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

See full data

Gas Price

Delaware is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.914/gal in Delaware vs $3.931/gal in North Carolina. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

See full data

Minimum Wage

Delaware has the higher minimum wage

State minimum wage: $15.00/hr in Delaware vs $7.25/hr in North Carolina. That matters most for hourly, entry-level, and part-time workers.

See full data

Electricity Rates

North Carolina has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 13.68 c/kWh in North Carolina vs 16.51 c/kWh in Delaware. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

See full data

Buying a Home

Delaware is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 3.74x in Delaware vs 4.28x in North Carolina. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

See full data

Renting

Delaware is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 18.5% in Delaware vs 21.4% in North Carolina. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

See full data

Property Tax

Delaware has lower property taxes

Effective property tax rate: 0.50% in Delaware vs 0.66% in North Carolina. A lower rate usually means a smaller yearly tax bill relative to home value.

See full data

Battleground Politics

North Carolina is a swing state

North Carolina was one of the core 2024 battleground states, while Delaware was not. That usually means tighter races and more campaign attention.

See full data

State Color

Delaware votes bluer

2024 presidential margin: Dem +14.70 in Delaware vs Rep +3.21 in North Carolina.

See full data

Government Control

Delaware has a trifecta

Delaware currently has democratic trifecta, while North Carolina does not. That usually means state laws can move faster in Delaware.

See full data

Gun Laws

Delaware has stricter gun laws

Delaware falls into the restrictive category, while North Carolina falls into the permissive category on this simplified statewide comparison.

See full data

Alcohol Laws

North Carolina uses a control-state system

North Carolina uses a control-state system for liquor sales, while Delaware uses a license-state system.

See full data

Marijuana Legalization

Delaware has broader marijuana access

Delaware currently rates as Legal, while North Carolina rates as Medical under statewide marijuana law.

See full data

Lower Taxes

North Carolina has lower income taxes

Top state income tax rate: 4.50% in North Carolina vs 6.60% in Delaware.

See full data

More Space

North Carolina feels less crowded

Population density: 194.0 per sq mi in North Carolina vs 397.7 per sq mi in Delaware. Lower density usually means more space and less day-to-day congestion.

See full data

Shorter Commute

North Carolina has the shorter commute

Average commute: 25.4 min in North Carolina vs 25.7 min in Delaware.

See full data

Job Opportunities

North Carolina looks better for job seekers

Unemployment rate: 3.9% in North Carolina vs 5.2% in Delaware. North Carolina also leads on job growth.

See full data

Remote Workers

North Carolina looks better for remote workers

Livability score: 52.32 in North Carolina vs 50.03 in Delaware. North Carolina also has the shorter average commute.

See full data

Warmer Climate

North Carolina is warmer overall

Average annual temperature: 59.0°F in North Carolina vs 55.3°F in Delaware.

See full data

More Sunshine

North Carolina gets more sun

Sunny days per year: 109 days in North Carolina vs 97 days in Delaware.

See full data

Detailed Metric Pages

Grouped tabs keep the deep-dive links tighter and easier to scan.

Population

North Carolina has a larger population than Delaware by 9,449,440 people.

Population Density

Delaware is more densely populated than North Carolina.

Bachelor's Degree

North Carolina has a higher college-educated share than Delaware.

Advanced Degree

Delaware has a higher advanced-degree share than North Carolina.

Delaware vs North Carolina - Common Questions

Q Is Delaware cheaper to live in than North Carolina?

North Carolina has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), North Carolina scores 96.4 versus 103.2 for Delaware - a gap of 6.8 points.

Q Which state is bigger - Delaware or North Carolina?

North Carolina is larger, covering 53,819 sq mi compared with 2,489 sq mi for Delaware - roughly 21.6x the size.

Q Does Delaware or North Carolina have more people?

North Carolina has the larger population at 10,439,388, compared with 989,948 in Delaware.

Q Which state has higher household income - Delaware or North Carolina?

Delaware has the higher median household income at $79,325, versus $63,947 in North Carolina.

Q Which state has lower income taxes - Delaware or North Carolina?

North Carolina has the lower state income tax top rate at 4.50%, compared with 6.60% in Delaware.

Q Is housing cheaper in Delaware or North Carolina?

Homes are cheaper in North Carolina, where the median home value is $273,600, versus $296,700 in Delaware.

Q Which state is more densely populated - Delaware or North Carolina?

Delaware is more densely populated at 397.7 per sq mi people per sq mi. North Carolina is more spread out at 194.0 per sq mi people per sq mi.

Related Comparisons

Alabama vs North Carolina

Arkansas vs North Carolina

Methodology

All figures are sourced from U.S. government datasets and updated annually. Page last updated: April 2026.

Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files and statehood dates from the National Archives. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset, with minimum wage data from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker. See our editorial policy for how we review and update these pages.