Which States Have the Biggest Tippers?
Who tips the best and worst on takeout apps? State-by-state, Delaware and West Virginia residents are the most generous while those in California and Washington State tend to hoard their cash.


Despite a year of pricing pressure and a majority of Americans holding a negative view of tipping, there are still parts of the country where people are comparatively big tippers. Or at least they are when it comes to ordering food via a delivery app.
A June 2024 survey by Toast, the all-in-one digital platform built for restaurants, showed the best and worst states for tipping when ordering food through take-out using a credit card or digital payment in select U.S. cities. Cash tips and transactions without tips are not included in the analysis. Not surprisingly, tips took a slight dip in the second quarter of 2024 compared to earlier in the year, dropping a tenth of a percent across the board.
Although many reasons for the drop may exist, from inflation and the high cost of living, tipflation may also play a part. A recent survey by Bankrate suggests two-thirds of Americans now hold a negative view of tipping. What’s more, the number of people who always leave a tip is declining in just the last two years. Our separate story looks at the worst tippers.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Average tips across the U.S.
Total tips averaged 18.8% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to 18.9% early in 2024 with average full-service restaurant tips dipping to 19.3% and average quick-service restaurant tips dropping to 15.9%.
Delaware was again the best state overall for tipping, with a total average tipping percentage of 21.5% in 2024. However, this number dipped from 22.5% earlier in the year. California is once again at the bottom of the list for overall tips, averaging 17.3%, a slight dip from an average of 17.4% in the first quarter of 2024.
Which states tip the most and the least
According to the June 2024 Toast survey, these are the states that tip the most and the least.
HIGHEST TIPS | LOWEST TIPS |
1. Delaware - 21.5% | California - 17.3% |
2. West Virginia - 20.5% | Washington - 17.8% |
3. Indiana - 20.4% | Nevada - 18.1 % |
4. New Hampshire - 20.4% | Florida - 18.2% |
5. Kentucky - 20.3% | Louisana - 18.4% |
Origins of tipping
Tipping dates back to the Roman era, and before that to medieval Europe, when visitors to homes would leave tips for servants who provided good service. The actual word “tip” dates to the 17th century, when London coffee houses and taverns would put out signs saying, "To Insure Promptitude" alongside boxes or bowls where customers could leave an extra coin if they wanted faster service.
In America, tipping was almost nonexistent before the Civil War. In the mid-1800s, wealthy Americans, visiting Europe, brought the practice to the U.S., where they were eager to mimic European customs. But it took root as a business strategy during the reconstruction period, according to Restaurant Business, when hospitality companies encouraged customers to leave tips for freed slaves who were paid low wages.
As recently as last month, tipping took center stage as both former President Trump and Vice President Harris called for the elimination of taxes on tips. And, reform efforts are underway in the 43 states where workers who rely on tips earn subminimum wages as low as $2.13 an hour.
Why tip?
Tipping is not usually mandatory. However, for years, people have complained that they feel they must tip for nearly everything, as more and more people feel it is becoming an obligation rather than a choice — to tip or not to tip?
For a majority of servers and bartenders in America, tips make up a substantial part of their income. Hairdressers, ride share workers, valet parking attendants, food delivery workers, are only a few of the many workers who also rely on tips for income.
However, roughly 66% of U.S. adults have a negative view about tipping, according to the Bankrate survey. Most people, or 41%, also believe that businesses should pay employees better rather than relying so much on tips, and many (30%) feel that the tipping culture has gotten out of control. But if you’re someone who works in an industry that relies on tips, you may argue that tips help pay the rent in an inflated economy.
While the debate rages on, at least when it comes to having your delivery order brought to your door, many people still opt to tip.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.
-
IRS 1099-K Threshold for 2025 Taxes Just Changed: What to Know Now
Tax Law After years of uncertainty and changing requirements, the 1099-K reporting rules for 2025 are now set, and the thresholds have changed since last year.
-
The 'Permission to Spend' Rules of Retirement Spending
Here’s how to spend guilt-free when you are in retirement.
-
I Want to Retire, but I Have to Keep Working so My Adult Kids Have Insurance
It's a tricky period when your adult child is under 26 but needs health insurance. We ask financial experts for advice.
-
Don't Let Your Equity Compensation Trip You Up: A Financial Expert's Guide
Stock options, RSUs and other executive perks can come with some serious strings attached. To avoid a nasty tax surprise, you need a plan.
-
I Work From Home, and These Are the Best Home Office Upgrades From October Prime Day and Anti-Prime Day Sales
Spruce up your office for less with these sales. You could also qualify for tax credits with some upgrades.
-
Should You Replace Your Financial Adviser with AI?
Financial Help Many people already ask AI for financial advice. But is it good enough to replace a human financial adviser?
-
Savvy Savings Moves to Make Now – Or You Could Lose Thousands
Despite a rate cut and inflation, these moves can still help you reach your savings goals quickly.
-
Escaping the New Golden Handcuffs: A Financial Expert Has a Plan for Today's Executives
Feeling stuck in your job? It could be your complicated compensation package, but it also could be where you live, your family or even how you view yourself.
-
A Comfortable Retirement is About More Than Money
When it comes to a happy retirement, money can’t buy these things.
-
Four Ways a Massive Emergency Fund Can Hurt You More Than It Helps
Saving too much could mean you're missing opportunities to put your money to work. Redirect some of that money toward paying off debt, building retirement funds, fulfilling a dream or investing in higher-growth options.