State Comparison

Delaware vs West Virginia

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

Delaware

DE • South

Better quality of life

Quality of Life Score

50.03

West Virginia

WV • South

Quality of Life Score

47.00

Delaware

16 / 31

metrics won

Wins

Score

West Virginia

15 / 31

metrics won

WV wins Housing

WV wins Quality of Life

DE wins Climate

DE wins Income

Quality of Life

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

Delaware winner

50.03

West Virginia

47.00

Delaware scores higher on quality of life — 3.03 points difference.

Quick Take

Delaware vs West Virginia

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

Delaware is about 9.7 times smaller than West Virginia.
West Virginia has a larger population than Delaware by 803,768 people.
West Virginia has the lower cost-of-living index. West Virginia is at 83.6, while Delaware is at 103.2.
Delaware has the higher median household income at $79,325, compared with $52,480 in West Virginia.

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

West Virginia is 19.6 points cheaper overall

West Virginia has the lower cost-of-living index. West Virginia is at 83.6, while Delaware is at 103.2.

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Income

Delaware income is 51.2% higher

Delaware has the higher median household income at $79,325, compared with $52,480 in West Virginia.

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Jobs

Delaware minimum wage is $6.25 higher

Delaware has the higher statewide minimum wage at $15.00/hr, compared with $8.75/hr in West Virginia.

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Housing

Delaware homes cost about 2.4x more

West Virginia has the lower median home value at $124,800, versus $296,700 in Delaware.

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Taxes

West Virginia has lower state income tax

West Virginia has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 5.12%, compared with 6.60% in Delaware.

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Cost of Driving

Delaware has slightly cheaper gas

Delaware has the lower regular gas price at $3.914/gal, versus $3.975/gal in West Virginia.

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Full Comparison

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

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Dover	Charleston	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Solid Red	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	989,948	1,793,716	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$79,325	$52,480	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	103.2	83.6	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$296,700	$124,800	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.50%	0.53%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.60%	5.12%	Details ->
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$15.00/hr	$8.75/hr	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.914/gal	$3.975/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.51 c/kWh	14.77 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	50.03	47.00	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	55.3°F	51.8°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	97 days	60 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	2,489 sq mi	24,230 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	397.7 per sq mi	74.0 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 7, 1787 (#1)	June 20, 1863 (#35)	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	WV	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	989,948	1,793,716	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	397.7 per sq mi	74.0 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	36.5%	24.0%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	15.5%	9.5%	Details ->

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

Metric	DE	WV	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	$8.75/hr	Details ->

Minimum Wage ->

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	50.03	47.00	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	50.03	47.00	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	103.2	83.6	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.914/gal	$3.975/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	16.51 c/kWh	14.77 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	25.7 min	25.3 min	Details ->

Livability Score -> Best State to Live In -> Cost of Living -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Commute Time ->

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	55.3°F	51.8°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	74.2°F	70.2°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	36.1°F	32.8°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	97 days	60 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	45.7 in	45.2 in	Details ->

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

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$296,700	$124,800	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$1,222/mo	$831/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%	77.0%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	3.74x	2.38x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	18.5%	19.0%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	16.6%	13.3%	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	WV	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.60%	5.12%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	None (0%)	6.00%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	0.50%	0.53%	Details ->

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

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Blue	Solid Red	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Dem +14.70	Rep +41.79	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	Not a battleground	Details ->
Governor Party Current governor's party (NCSL partisan composition, January 27, 2026).	Democratic	Republican	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	Republican Trifecta	Details ->

Presidential Voting Margin ->

Metric	DE	WV	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	WV	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	2,489 sq mi	24,230 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Ebright Azimuth (448 ft)	Spruce Knob (4,863 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 7, 1787 (#1)	June 20, 1863 (#35)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Dover	Charleston	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	South	South	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	76.9 yrs	72.8 yrs	Details ->
Older Adult Health Outcomes Composite score for comparing state health outcomes for older adults, using life expectancy, insurance coverage, and obesity prevalence.	54.2	35.3	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	6.5%	5.9%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	36.6%	41.4%	Details ->

Life Expectancy -> Older Adult Health Outcomes -> Uninsured Rate -> Obesity Rate ->

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	404.0	312.0	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	1991.2	1335.0	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$79,325	$52,480	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	100.9	86.7	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	10.5%	16.7%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	59.6%	51.7%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	5.2%	4.6%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	1.1%	-0.3%	Details ->

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

Metric	DE	WV	Deep dive
Retirement Score Composite score for comparing states for retirement, combining affordability, taxes, housing, health, safety, and winter climate.	65.3	69.1	Details ->

Retirement Score ->

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

West Virginia is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 83.6 vs 103.2 in Delaware. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

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Gas Price

Delaware is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.914/gal in Delaware vs $3.975/gal in West Virginia. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

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Minimum Wage

Delaware has the higher minimum wage

State minimum wage: $15.00/hr in Delaware vs $8.75/hr in West Virginia. That matters most for hourly, entry-level, and part-time workers.

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Electricity Rates

West Virginia has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 14.77 c/kWh in West Virginia vs 16.51 c/kWh in Delaware. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

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Buying a Home

West Virginia is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 2.38x in West Virginia vs 3.74x in Delaware. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

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Renting

Delaware is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 18.5% in Delaware vs 19.0% in West Virginia. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

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Property Tax

Delaware has lower property taxes

Effective property tax rate: 0.50% in Delaware vs 0.53% in West Virginia. A lower rate usually means a smaller yearly tax bill relative to home value.

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State Color

Delaware votes bluer

2024 presidential margin: Dem +14.70 in Delaware vs Rep +41.79 in West Virginia.

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Gun Laws

Delaware has stricter gun laws

Delaware falls into the restrictive category, while West Virginia falls into the permissive category on this simplified statewide comparison.

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Alcohol Laws

West Virginia uses a control-state system

West Virginia uses a control-state system for liquor sales, while Delaware uses a license-state system.

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Marijuana Legalization

Delaware has broader marijuana access

Delaware currently rates as Legal, while West Virginia rates as Medical under statewide marijuana law.

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Lower Taxes

West Virginia has lower income taxes

Top state income tax rate: 5.12% in West Virginia vs 6.60% in Delaware.

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More Space

West Virginia feels less crowded

Population density: 74.0 per sq mi in West Virginia vs 397.7 per sq mi in Delaware. Lower density usually means more space and less day-to-day congestion.

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Shorter Commute

West Virginia has the shorter commute

Average commute: 25.3 min in West Virginia vs 25.7 min in Delaware.

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Job Opportunities

West Virginia looks better for job seekers

Unemployment rate: 4.6% in West Virginia vs 5.2% in Delaware.

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Remote Workers

Delaware looks better for remote workers

Livability score: 50.03 in Delaware vs 47.00 in West Virginia.

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Warmer Climate

Delaware is warmer overall

Average annual temperature: 55.3°F in Delaware vs 51.8°F in West Virginia.

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More Sunshine

Delaware gets more sun

Sunny days per year: 97 days in Delaware vs 60 days in West Virginia.

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Detailed Metric Pages

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

Population

West Virginia has a larger population than Delaware by 803,768 people.

Population Density

Delaware is more densely populated than West Virginia.

Bachelor's Degree

Delaware has a higher college-educated share than West Virginia.

Advanced Degree

Delaware has a higher advanced-degree share than West Virginia.

Delaware vs West Virginia - Common Questions

Q Is Delaware cheaper to live in than West Virginia?

West Virginia has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), West Virginia scores 83.6 versus 103.2 for Delaware - a gap of 19.6 points.

Q Which state is bigger - Delaware or West Virginia?

West Virginia is larger, covering 24,230 sq mi compared with 2,489 sq mi for Delaware - roughly 9.7x the size.

Q Does Delaware or West Virginia have more people?

West Virginia has the larger population at 1,793,716, compared with 989,948 in Delaware.

Q Which state has higher household income - Delaware or West Virginia?

Delaware has the higher median household income at $79,325, versus $52,480 in West Virginia.

Q Which state has lower income taxes - Delaware or West Virginia?

West Virginia has the lower state income tax top rate at 5.12%, compared with 6.60% in Delaware.

Q Is housing cheaper in Delaware or West Virginia?

Homes are cheaper in West Virginia, where the median home value is $124,800, versus $296,700 in Delaware.

Q Which state is more densely populated - Delaware or West Virginia?

Delaware is more densely populated at 397.7 per sq mi people per sq mi. West Virginia is more spread out at 74.0 per sq mi people per sq mi.

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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.