Rent Affordability for Delaware (2026)
Delaware (DE) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,150
Median Monthly Income
$5,750
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,725
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
20.0%
How This Calculator Works in Delaware
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Delaware based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Delaware average.
Delaware Overview
With a median household income of $72,000, Delaware residents can afford roughly $1,800/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,150/month. State income taxes in Delaware reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
How Delaware Compares
Delaware's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring Maryland, the ratio is 20.7%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $1,500 | Average 1BR rent is $1,500 with median monthly income of $7,250. The 30% rule allows $2,175 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Pennsylvania | $1,100 | Average 1BR rent is $1,100 with median monthly income of $5,583. The 30% rule allows $1,675 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| New Jersey | $1,600 | Average 1BR rent is $1,600 with median monthly income of $7,250. The 30% rule allows $2,175 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Delaware, the median household earns $69,000 annually ($5,750 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,725 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,150, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Delaware Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Delaware, with a median household income of $72,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,800/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Delaware is roughly $1,150/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3State income taxes in Delaware reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Delaware.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Delaware, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.