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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Delaware County ranks #2,138 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
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%.
Cost of Living Advisory: Delaware County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Delaware County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,315/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Delaware County pay $1,315/month on average, compared to $1,646/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $70,543/year. With a median household income of $88,576, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Delaware County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Delaware County is less affordable than Pike County by roughly 5% ($1,315/mo vs $1,383/mo).
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?
What is the median rent in Delaware County?
Is Delaware County affordable?
How does Delaware County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Delaware County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Delaware County, Pennsylvania? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Delaware County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.