Which state is better for veterans — Rhode Island or Delaware?
There's no universal answer; the better state depends on your priorities. Below are the factors that most often decide the question.
If you're a military retiree
Both retirement income tax and property tax matter most in retirement. Rhode Island does not tax military retirement pay, while Delaware taxes military retirement pay (delaware allows military retirees to exclude up to $12,500 of pension income (age 60+) and offers additional exclusions for younger retirees as of recent legislation.). On property, Rhode Island offers a partial property tax reduction, and Delaware offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Rhode Island's headline program is the Rhode Island National Guard State Tuition Assistance — Rhode Island Guard members receive state tuition waiver at URI, RIC, and CCRI. Children of deceased Rhode Island veterans qualify for tuition assistance at state colleges. Delaware's is the Delaware National Guard State Tuition Assistance — Up to 100% tuition assistance at Delaware state institutions for Guard members; education benefits also available for children of deceased Delaware veterans through the state's Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans program.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Rhode Island hosts 3 significant installation(s) including Naval Station Newport, Naval War College, RI ANG Quonset.Delaware hosts 1 including Dover AFB.
Climate and lifestyle
Rhode Island: New England coastal climate with cold winters and warm humid summers. Delaware: Mild mid-Atlantic climate with four moderate seasons.