Average Rent in Delaware 2026 — 1BR & 2BR Prices

Quick answer

A single adult in Delaware typically needs about $3,284/month, with rent of $1,350 (1BR) as the largest single expense. A family with kids runs closer to $5,602/mo.

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Total / month
$3,284
Rent (1BR)
$1,350
Rent (2BR)
$1,600
Cost index
101
What this means in real life

In Delaware, the swing factor is rent. Wilmington pulls the averages up; smaller cities like Dover often run 15–30% cheaper. Groceries, utilities, and transport are far more predictable — what changes a budget most is the apartment.

Cheap vs expensive areas in Delaware

Most expensive
Wilmington

Prime neighborhoods push 1BR rent to around $1,823/mo. Premium grocery prices, paid parking, and higher dining costs all compound.

More affordable
Dover

Smaller cities and suburbs typically run a 1BR around $1,013/mo — 25–40% below the metro centre, with cheaper groceries and shorter commutes.

Cost breakdown — at a glance

Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,350
41% of budget
Transportation
$485
15% of budget
Groceries
$424
13% of budget
Utilities & internet
$197
6% of budget
Healthcare
$323
10% of budget
Entertainment & dining
$222
7% of budget
Misc & personal
$283
9% of budget

Monthly budget by household

Typical totals in Delaware for a single adult, a couple, and a family with kids.

Single adult
$3,284/mo

1-bedroom, modest urban lifestyle.

Couple, no kids
$4,518/mo

2-bedroom, shared groceries and transport.

Family (2 adults + kids)
$5,602/mo

2-bedroom, childcare, more food and healthcare.

Monthly budget — full table

Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,350
41%
Transportation
$485
15%
Groceries
$424
13%
Utilities & internet
$197
6%
Healthcare
$323
10%
Entertainment & dining
$222
7%
Misc & personal
$283
9%

Visual breakdown

Housing (rent + insurance)$1,350
Transportation$485
Groceries$424
Utilities & internet$197
Healthcare$323
Entertainment & dining$222
Misc & personal$283
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Salary needed to live here

Rule of thumb: you want take-home pay of at least $3,941/mo to live comfortably — roughly $63,000/year gross.

Compare with neighbors

Common questions

These estimates are approximate and may vary by city, taxes, rent, family size, and personal spending. Use them as a starting point, not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice.