Delaware vs New Jersey
Head-to-head homesteading comparison across taxes, land, climate, laws, safety & more
Overall Score
Category Wins
5/10
Overall Score
Category Wins
2/10
Quick Comparison
Winner highlighted per category
Delaware Edges Out New Jersey Overall
With an overall homesteading score of 61.7 vs 41.9, Delaware comes out ahead in our balanced analysis — winning 5 out of 10 key categories. But the best state for you depends on what matters most.
Key differences: Delaware offers cheaper farmland at $3,400/acre vs $16,000/acre. Delaware has lower property taxes (0.57% vs 2.49%). Delaware is more affordable with a cost of living index of 106 vs 130.
Scroll down to the full comparison table for a deep dive into every metric, or use our ranking tool to weight these factors by what matters most to you.
Full Data Comparison
| Data Point | Delaware DE | New Jersey NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Taxes & Cost | ||
| Yes | Yes | |
| 6.6% | 10.75% | |
| 0% | 6.625% | |
| 0.57% | 2.49% | |
| 106 | 130 | |
| Land & Building | ||
| $3,400 | $16,000 | |
| Yes (Statewide) | Yes (Statewide) | |
| Varies | Largely illegal; zoning typically prohibits tiny homes | |
| Climate & Growing | ||
| 7a-7b | 6a-7a | |
| 180 | 180 | |
| 48" | 48" | |
| 6 | 7 | |
| 4 | 3 | |
| 3 | 3 | |
| Water & Energy | ||
| Unrestricted | Permitted | |
| 4.2 | 4.1 | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Laws & Freedom | ||
| Low | Moderate | |
| 5 | 2 | |
| Moderate | Moderate | |
| Yes (Farm Sales Only) | Illegal for human consumption | |
| Yes | No | |
| Safety & Healthcare | ||
| 506 | 356 | |
| 40% | 12% | |
| Demographics & Community | ||
| 501.2 | 1,205 | |
| 25% | 5% | |
| 88% | 95% | |
| Business | ||
| #18 | #36 | |
| $90/yr | $125/yr | |
| 3.4% | 3.7% | |
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