Average Rent in Wilmington, DE (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Wilmington, DE is $1,363/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 4 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +4.0% year over year. Rents range from $1,300 to $1,460.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,363/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 4 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +4.0%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Wilmington, DE is $1,363/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 4 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 4.0% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Wilmington is 14% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Wilmington, DE ranges from $1,300 to $1,460 across 4 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Wilmington, DE is approximately 4.0% for 2026. An increase above 4.0% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Wilmington, DE?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Wilmington, DE is $1,363/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 4 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,300 to $1,460 depending on neighborhood — a $160/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $54,520/year.
Is rent going up in Wilmington?
Rents in Wilmington have increased 4.0% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Wilmington?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 4.0% is in line with the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
+4.0%
Rents in Wilmington are rising at +4.0% year-over-year.
✓ Verified trend
Market sources range from +1.2% to +4.7%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+4.0%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (+4.7%).When signed-lease rents outpace asking rents, it typically signals strong demand and limited room to negotiate.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Wilmington?
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.
A studio in Wilmington typically rents for $1,253 – $1,516.
Rents above $1,743 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Wilmington typically rents for $1,363 – $1,650.
Rents above $1,897 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Wilmington typically rents for $1,625 – $1,964.
Rents above $2,259 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Wilmington typically rents for $1,950 – $2,355.
Rents above $2,708 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Wilmington typically rents for $2,175 – $2,629.
Rents above $3,023 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Wilmington
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,253
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,363
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,625
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$1,950
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,175
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Wilmington
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Wilmington Compare?
Questions about rent in Wilmington
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Wilmington, DE?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Wilmington, DE is $1,363/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 4 ZIP codes in the city. This is 14% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,300 to $1,460 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Wilmington?
A rent increase up to about 4.0% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Wilmington. 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 $1,363/month.
Are rents going up or down in Wilmington?
Rents in Wilmington have increased 4.0% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 4 ZIP codes in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Wilmington?
1-bedroom rents across Wilmington range from $1,300 to $1,460 on this page, a $160/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 Wilmington?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Wilmington at $1,363/month, a household would need approximately $54,520/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
Browse Wilmington ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Delaware →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Delaware.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
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 →