Delaware is such a wonderful place to live in and consistently tops the list of the best places to retire. But Maryland, being a larger state and part of the five major cities in Northeastern US, you are now torn choosing between the two. So, which state is better to move into, Delaware or Maryland?

Thankfully, you’re in the right place. Because we know that Delaware is a much better state to live in than Maryland. Here’s why.

1. Delaware has fewer people than Maryland

In this crowded world, sometimes the fewer people around, the better right? Delaware is the second smallest state and the sixth least populated state according to the U.S. Census. Also, the most current data has gauged Delaware’s population to be around 900,000 people. 

Maryland’s population, on the other hand, is more than 6 times that of Delaware. The most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that approximately 6 million people are living in Maryland.

So, if you want to escape the urban grind and enjoy a less dense state, there’s more wiggle room here in Delaware!

2. Delaware is more tax-friendly than Maryland

Delaware is known to have fantastic financial benefits, such as lower taxes and a cheaper cost of living. It’s all because Delaware is one of the tax-friendliest states as there are no local or state taxes, and no taxes on Social Security benefits. Also, there is a $12,500 exclusion on pensions or other eligible retirement income for anyone over the age of 60. 

Not only that, but homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for a tax credit of $400 for property taxes. And depending on income, the state income tax rates can range from 2.2 percent to 5.5 percent if your income is less than $60,000 and 6.6 percent for incomes higher than $60,000. 

While Maryland also doesn’t tax the Social Security Benefits and shows a $29,000 exclusion on their pension, not all retirees are eligible. Also, Maryland has still been rated as one of the worst states in the U.S. to retire since it ranks low in affordability rates, making living expenses more expensive. 

3. Delaware has a better climate than Maryland

One great thing about Delaware is the pleasant, mild temperature throughout the year. In general, Maryland has hotter, sticky summers and more frigid winters. Average temperatures in July can range from 65℉ to 87℉, depending on the region, and January temperatures can reach as low as 20℉ to 40℉.  

On the other hand, Delaware's temperature typically ranges from 32℉ to 76℉ monthly, and the average temperature in the summer is 74.3℉. Not too hot, not too cold; just right. Isn’t that awesome?

4. Delaware’s proximity is more appealing than Maryland

The main drawback of living in major cities like Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and New York, is the high cost of living and expenses. Yet, Delaware is just 1-2 hours away from all of these major cities via car with much lower living expenses. And still, you get the peaceful borders of the Atlantic Coast and the world-famous Delaware Beaches like Rehoboth and Dewey Beach. Two birds in one stone, indeed!

Final Thoughts

Delaware and Maryland are great places to visit, live in, and retire, but if we were to pick one, we’ll definitely go with Delaware. Delaware is super tax-friendly, has a smaller and comfortable population, offers more suitable temperatures year-round, is near to all the major cities, has a lavish deal of history, and, well, has a 28-mile stretch of beaches facing the Atlantic Coast. If Delaware is not on your list, you’ll be missing out on a lot. Let’s get your dream home in Delaware by reaching out to us at Loft Realty and we’ll definitely get you a home here now!