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    Average Rent in Dover, DE (2026)

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Dover, DE is $1,158/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 4 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +2.3% year over year. Rents range from $1,070 to $1,220.

    Average Rent · 1-Bedroom

    $1,158/mo

    Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 4 zip codes

    Year-over-Year

    ↑ +2.3%

    Source: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent

    Data through

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Dover, DE is $1,158/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 4 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 2.3% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Dover is 3% below the national average of $1,196/month.

    Average rent in Dover, DE ranges from $1,070 to $1,220 across 4 ZIP codes.

    Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Dover, DE is approximately 2.3% for 2026. An increase above 2.3% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.

    Key Facts

    Average 1-BR rent: $1,158/mo
    Year-over-year change: +2.3%
    Coverage: 4 ZIP codes
    Data source: HUD Small Area FMR FY2026
    vs. national avg: 3% below ($1,196/mo)

    Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.

    How much is rent in Dover, DE?

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Dover, DE is $1,158/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 4 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,070 to $1,220 depending on neighborhood — a $150/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $46,320/year.

    Is rent going up in Dover?

    Rents in Dover have increased 2.3% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.

    What is a fair rent increase in Dover?

    Based on local market data, a rent increase around 2.3% is in line with the Dover market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.

    Rent Trends in Dover

    +2.3%

    Rents in Dover are rising at +2.3% year-over-year.

    − Estimated trend

    Market sources range from +1.5% to +2.6%

    Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent

    What Should Rent Cost in Dover?

    Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.

    Studio$1,148 – $1,252

    A studio in Dover typically rents for $1,148 – $1,252.

    Rents above $1,440 are in the top 25% for this area.

    1-Bedroom$1,158 – $1,260

    A 1-bedroom in Dover typically rents for $1,158 – $1,260.

    Rents above $1,449 are in the top 25% for this area.

    2-Bedroom$1,458 – $1,589

    A 2-bedroom in Dover typically rents for $1,458 – $1,589.

    Rents above $1,827 are in the top 25% for this area.

    3-Bedroom$2,025 – $2,210

    A 3-bedroom in Dover typically rents for $2,025 – $2,210.

    Rents above $2,542 are in the top 25% for this area.

    4-Bedroom$2,253 – $2,470

    A 4-bedroom in Dover typically rents for $2,253 – $2,470.

    Rents above $2,841 are in the top 25% for this area.

    Federal Rent Benchmarks for Dover

    HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.

    Studio

    $1,148

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    1-Bedroom

    $1,158

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    2-Bedroom

    $1,458

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    3-Bedroom

    $2,025

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    4-Bedroom

    $2,253

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated

    Zip Codes in Dover

    Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.

    Zip Code1-BR SAFMR
    19901$1,220
    19903$1,170
    19961$1,170
    19936$1,070

    SAFMR rates are zip-specific.

    How Does Dover Compare?

    Questions about rent in Dover

    What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Dover, DE?

    The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Dover, DE is $1,158/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 4 ZIP codes in the city. This is 3% below the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,070 to $1,220 depending on ZIP code.

    What is a fair rent increase in Dover?

    A rent increase up to about 2.3% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Dover. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,158/month.

    Are rents going up or down in Dover?

    Rents in Dover have increased 2.3% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 4 ZIP codes in the Dover, DE MSA area.

    How much do rents vary across Dover?

    1-bedroom rents across Dover range from $1,070 to $1,220 on this page, a $150/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.

    Can my landlord raise my rent in Dover?

    We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Dover. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.

    How much should I spend on rent in Dover?

    The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Dover at $1,158/month, a household would need approximately $46,320/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.

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    Renter Tools

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    Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →