According to 2026 hospitality data and recent studies from platforms like OysterLink and Stacker, Delaware and New Hampshire consistently rank as the most generous states for tipping in the U.S. In Delaware, the average tip rate reaches a staggering 21.5%, while New Hampshire and West Virginia frequently hover around the 20.5% mark. The "generosity" in these states is often linked to the tip credit system, where a low sub-minimum wage for tipped workers (sometimes as low as $2.13–$3.36) creates a strong social cultural expectation that the customer's gratuity is the primary source of the worker's income. Conversely, states with higher minimum wages for all workers, such as California and Washington, often see the lowest average tip percentages (around 17.3–17.8%), as diners perceive the staff to be already fairly compensated. Interestingly, the "least generous" state is often cited as Utah, with an average tip rate significantly below the national average. For travelers, the 2026 baseline for a "good" tip across the country remains 20%, but in the "First State" of Delaware, you may find that the local standard is even higher.