Cost of Living in Delaware County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Delaware County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Delaware County ranks #1,585 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Delaware County, New York
Delaware stretches dollars furthest
Delaware County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among New York's most affordable despite a median income of $60,226. At $848 monthly, rents remain 50% below the national average, delivering exceptional value for budget-conscious renters.
Second-most affordable statewide
Delaware's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below New York's 17.6% average, with median rents of $848—$285 cheaper than the state median. Few New York counties deliver comparable affordability.
Cheapest rents in the upstate cluster
Delaware's $848 rent ranks among the lowest in this eight-county survey, beaten only by Chenango County at $819. Median home values of $176,200 remain modest, keeping both rental and ownership markets equally accessible.
Exceptional affordability on tight budget
Delaware residents earning just $60,226 spend only $848 on rent—just 16.9% of income—thanks to modest regional pricing. Homeowners pay $944 monthly, or 18.8% of income, meaning both renters and buyers achieve genuine financial breathing room.
Maximum affordability in rural New York
Delaware delivers New York's best cost-of-living value for families earning under $65,000, with rents under $850 and home values under $180,000. If maximizing your paycheck's purchasing power matters, Delaware's 16.9% rent ratio is tough to beat statewide.
Cost of Living Advisory: Delaware County
Affordability Verdict
Delaware County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $848/month representing approximately 16.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Delaware County is $848/month, while owner costs run $944/month. Renting saves approximately $96/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,457/year. With a median household income of $60,226, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Delaware County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Chautauqua County where rent averages $797/month, Delaware County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Delaware County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,405
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.8%
of gross income
The median home in Delaware County may be a stretch
Median home value is $176,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,407 vs. your max of $1,405.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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