How Much Is Rent in Delaware? A Breakdown of Average Costs

Delaware’s rental market presents a diverse landscape, with costs varying significantly across its regions. Understanding the financial commitments involved is an important step for anyone considering residency. This overview provides insights into the current rental environment, helping individuals navigate the financial considerations of living in Delaware.

Statewide Rental Overview

The average rent for all property types in Delaware falls within a range, reflecting the state’s varied housing options. As of July and August 2025, average rents across Delaware range from approximately $1,521 to $2,000 per month. This statewide average includes apartments to single-family homes. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,521 per month, while a two-bedroom unit is approximately $1,707 monthly. Three-bedroom rentals typically cost about $2,137 per month.

Fair Market Rent (FMR) data for 2024 provides a baseline for understanding rental costs, with the average FMR for a two-bedroom home reported at $1,468 per month. Median rent figures from July 2024 indicate a statewide median of $1,788.97. These figures highlight that Delaware’s rental prices stand above the national average, positioning it as a moderately expensive state for renters.

Rental Costs by County

Delaware’s three counties each have unique rental market dynamics. New Castle County, in northern Delaware, features higher rental prices, particularly in urban centers.

The average rent in Wilmington, the state’s largest city, was approximately $1,597 per month for all property types as of August 2025. A one-bedroom apartment in Wilmington costs around $1,597, while a two-bedroom averages $1,780 monthly.

In nearby New Castle City, the average rent was about $1,373 per month in August 2025, with one-bedroom units at $1,373 and two-bedrooms at $1,599. The 2024 Fair Market Rent for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area, which includes New Castle County, indicates a two-bedroom unit at $1,737 per month.

Kent County, situated in central Delaware, offers more moderate rental prices compared to its northern counterpart. The Dover metropolitan area, representing Kent County, had a 2024 Fair Market Rent of $1,368 for a two-bedroom unit. For specific property types in Dover, a one-bedroom apartment rented for about $1,375 and a two-bedroom for $1,622 as of November 2024.

Sussex County, encompassing the southern and coastal regions of Delaware, presents a diverse rental market ranging from more affordable inland areas to higher-priced beach communities. The 2024 Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Sussex County was $1,298 per month, generally lower than the other counties.

Popular coastal towns like Rehoboth Beach show higher average rents, approximately $1,775 per month for all property types in August 2025. A one-bedroom in Rehoboth Beach averages $1,775, and a two-bedroom is about $1,995 monthly. Lewes, another prominent beach town, had an average rent of $1,775 per month as of July 2025.

Further inland, cities like Seaford offer more accessible price points, with an average rent of $1,609 per month in August 2025, including one-bedroom units at $1,609 and two-bedrooms at $1,591.

Factors Affecting Rental Prices

Several factors influence rental prices across Delaware, creating varied costs for different properties. Location plays a significant role in pricing. Properties situated near major employment hubs, such as Wilmington, or those with convenient access to public transportation and sought-after amenities like shopping and dining, often command higher rents. Coastal regions in Sussex County, including beach towns, experience elevated demand and higher rental costs due to their recreational appeal.

Property type and characteristics also directly impact rental value. Differences exist between apartment units, townhouses, and single-family homes, with larger properties and those offering more bedrooms or greater square footage typically priced higher. The availability of specific amenities can add to the rental cost. Features such as in-unit laundry, dedicated parking, access to fitness centers, swimming pools, or accommodating pet policies can contribute to a higher monthly rent due to increased convenience and desirability for tenants.

Market dynamics, including the interplay of supply and demand, are key drivers of rental price fluctuations. Local economic conditions, such as employment rates and population growth, directly affect the demand for housing. When demand outpaces the available supply of rental units, prices tend to rise. Conversely, an increase in housing inventory relative to demand can stabilize or even reduce rental costs. The age and condition of a property are also factors, as newer constructions or recently renovated units with modern finishes and updated systems generally fetch higher rents than older, less maintained properties.

Locating Current Rental Data

Finding current rental information requires using specialized platforms and local resources. Major online rental platforms serve as primary tools for searching available properties. Websites such as Apartments.com, Zillow, Redfin, and Zumper provide extensive listings with detailed property descriptions, photos, and rent ranges. These sites allow users to filter searches by location, property type, number of bedrooms, and price range, helping to narrow down options quickly.

Another valuable resource is DelawareHousingSearch.org, a state-specific platform that provides rental listings and resources tailored to the Delaware market. This localized platform can offer insights into regional availability and pricing not prominent on national sites. Contacting local real estate agencies or property management companies operating within specific Delaware counties or cities can provide access to exclusive listings and expert knowledge about the local rental landscape. Because rental markets are dynamic and prices change frequently, regularly check these various resources for current information when planning a move or assessing rental costs.