Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Wilmington, DE?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 45.4% of gross income.
Wilmington rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Delaware state estimate).
About rent and a dental assistant salary
Dental assistant pay sits near the US median household income. At the national-average dental-assistant salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,214 a month in rent, which is achievable in most lower- and mid-cost metros.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Delaware cities have lower median rent than Wilmington, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Wilmington
View full rent data for Wilmington, DE →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Wilmington, DE?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,872 a month. A typical dental assistant in Delaware earns about $49,531 a year, which makes that rent 45.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental assistant afford in Wilmington?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Delaware (~$49,531/yr) supports up to $1,238 a month in rent. Wilmington's current median rent is $1,872/mo, which is $634/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Wilmington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a dental assistant in Delaware works roughly 78.6 hours a month to cover Wilmington's median rent of $1,872.
Where is rent cheaper than Wilmington for a dental assistant?
Nearby Delaware cities with lower median rent include New Castle ($1,747/mo), New Castle ($1,726/mo), Dover ($1,726/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.