Cost of Living in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
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
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware's premium housing supported by strong income
Delaware County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% exceeds the national average, yet the county's exceptionally high median household income of $88,576—nearly $14,000 above national median—enables residents to absorb these premium costs. Rents averaging $1,315 monthly and median home values of $302,400 reflect an affluent suburban market.
Pennsylvania's priciest housing market overall
Delaware County ranks as Pennsylvania's most expensive county for both renters and homeowners; median rent of $1,315 and median home value of $302,400 substantially exceed state averages. The county's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio, while above the state average, becomes manageable only because median household income of $88,576 is Pennsylvania's highest.
Substantially pricier than all regional peers
Delaware's $1,315 monthly rent towers over all comparison counties: Cumberland ($1,184), Dauphin ($1,153), and rural alternatives like Clearfield ($788) or Elk ($720). Similarly, median home values of $302,400 represent the highest in the dataset, reflecting Delaware's position as a high-income Philadelphia suburban corridor.
Highest income supports highest housing costs
Renters dedicate approximately 18% of the $88,576 median household income to $1,315 monthly rent, while homeowners spend roughly 22% on mortgages averaging $1,646 on homes valued at $302,400. Homeowners here face the most significant housing-cost burden, though income levels make it sustainable.
Delaware for high-income Philadelphia proximity seekers
Delaware offers premium suburban living and Philadelphia access for top earners; expect to pay Pennsylvania's highest housing costs, offset by strong median income of $88,576. Consider it if career opportunity and proximity to major job centers justify housing premiums that dwarf rural alternatives by 60–80%.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Delaware County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,067
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.3%
of gross income
The median home in Delaware County may be a stretch
Median home value is $302,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,414 vs. your max of $2,067.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.