City Report · PA

Upper Darby

·140th most expensive in Pennsylvania·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,281/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.7%
Month-over-Month
-4.9%
vs US Median
-$681
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Upper Darby · $1,281
More affordable than 89% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
59/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Upper Darby's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,281/mo
Expected by trend
$1,339/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Upper Darby's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,170
1 BR
$1,290
2 BR
$1,540
3 BR
$1,860
4 BR+
$2,110
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,540/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,281 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$15,372/yr
At $1,281/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 1.7% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.7% YoY, -4.9% MoM), not inventory.
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2023 vs 2026

How Upper Darby, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,239 → $1,281
up 3.4%

The median rent in Upper Darby, PA stood at $1,239 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,281, reflecting a 3.4% increase over the period. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Upper Darby, PA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Upper Darby rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Upper Darby on your salary?

At $1,281/mo, how Upper Darby rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Upper Darby rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Upper Darby. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Upper Darby

About renting in Upper Darby, PA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Upper Darby is $1,281/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,170/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,540/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,290/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,860/mo.

At 21% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Upper Darby ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Upper Darby an affordable city for renters?

Upper Darby is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,281/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Upper Darby falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Upper Darby?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $51,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,281/mo in Upper Darby.

Is rent going up or down in Upper Darby?

Rent in Upper Darby has increased 1.7% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Upper Darby rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Upper Darby is one of the more affordable cities in Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #140 out of 169 tracked cities at $1,281/mo.

How does Upper Darby rent compare to the national average?

Upper Darby's median rent of $1,281/mo is $681 (35%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #140 out of 169 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,281/mo, rent takes ~21% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Upper Darby 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.07%
Run the Upper Darby affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Upper Darby, PA

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