Delaware is a beautiful place to live, work, and retire, and it's a dream place for many. But, if you're from Pennsylvania, you might wonder if it's worth the switch.

Pennsylvania is a major city in the North Eastern United States. And although the land here is diverse, it's the fifth most populous state in the country. And with the increasing inflation rate, Pennsylvanians feel the pain of high consumer prices.

Between Delaware and Pennsylvania, which is better? And, which is the one right for you? Let's explain why we say living in Delaware is better than living in Pennsylvania.

Delaware is more tax-friendly than Pennsylvania.

In Delaware, there's no sales tax and no tax on personal income, and Pennsylvania's sales tax is 6%. Moreover, the personal income tax ranges from 3.07% to 4.95%, depending on your income bracket.

In addition, retirement income is also taxed at a lower rate in Delaware than in Pennsylvania. Retirees don't have to pay Social Security benefits in Delaware; they can exclude up to $2,000 of other retirement income from state taxes. Whereas in Pennsylvania, retirees have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits and no exclusion for additional retirement income.

Delaware's cost of living is lower than Pennsylvania's.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is 6.4% higher than the national average. But in Delaware, it's only 3.7% above the norm. In case you don't know, the cost of living national average is under $2,963 for singles and $5,157 for a family of four.

In terms of home prices, the median price in Pennsylvania is $164,100, but in Delaware, it's $153,700. Hence, Delaware is a more affordable option for buying a home. A one-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania will cost $871 per month. But in Delaware, you can find units at $785 per month.

Delaware is closer to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City, while Pennsylvania is more rural.

Delaware is your place if you want to be close to the action. It is between two of the biggest cities on the East Coast—Philadelphia and New York City. And it's only a two-hour drive to either city. So, if you're looking for a weekend getaway, you won't have to go far.

But in Pennsylvania, you'll be further from the action. The state is primarily rural, with forests making up about 60% of the land. And although there are some prominent cities like Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, they're not as close to Philadelphia and New York City as Delaware is.

Delaware has a higher per capita income than Pennsylvania.

In Delaware, the average per capita income is $29,829. But in Pennsylvania, it's only $27,201. So, if you want to make more money, Delaware is your best bet.

Delaware ranks higher than Pennsylvania in education and health care quality.

Regarding education, Delaware ranks higher than Pennsylvania in high school graduation rates and test scores. And regarding health care, Delaware ranks higher than Pennsylvania in overall quality and access to care.

Delaware's crime rate is lower than Pennsylvania's.

Delaware is a much safer state than Pennsylvania. The crime rate in Delaware is 36% lower than the national average, and in Pennsylvania, it's only 10% lower than the average. So, to raise a family or retire in peace, Delaware is the perfect option.

People in Delaware are generally happier than people in Pennsylvania.

According to a recent study, people in Delaware are some of the happiest in the country. Delaware consistently ranks top 10 for overall well-being and emotional health on other sites. But in Pennsylvania, the rankings are much lower. Hence, if you're looking for a state where you can be happy and stress-free, Delaware is the place for you.

Delaware is a great place to retire, while Pennsylvania is not as ideal for retirees.

Delaware is an excellent option if you're looking for a retirement place. It has a reasonably low cost of living, no income tax, and plenty of activities for retirees. But Pennsylvania is not as ideal for retirees. The cost of living is higher, the winters are harsher, and there's not as much to do.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Delaware is simply a better state than Pennsylvania. Thus, if you're searching for a more appropriate state with a lower crime rate and closer to major cities, Delaware is the more promising choice. With its many benefits, it's no wonder that Delaware is ranked as one of the best states in the country to live in!

Are you looking now to buy a home here in Delaware? We at Loft Realty are here to help you, so feel free to reach out to us! Together, we'll get that Delaware home you want in no time.