RentData

Average Rent in Daphne, AL Rents falling 8.7% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in AL

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 239,945

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Daphne, AL has rental prices ranging from $972/month to $1,975/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,043/month — 25% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $75,019/year, spending $1,043/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Daphne Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,244/month, Daphne ranks #3 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — pricier than 84% of all US cities in our data.

The Daphne Rental Market

The Daphne, AL area has a population of about 239,945 and 23% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Daphne, AL have fallen by $118/month (8.7%) over the past year, from $1,362 to $1,244. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Daphne, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $41,720. The local median household income of $75,019 exceeds that threshold by $33,299, making Daphne relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Daphne, AL is $330,724, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 22.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$972
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,043
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,244
8.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,550
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,975
Average
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Median Home Value
$330,724
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,760/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Daphne, AL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$49,760/year
Local median income: $75,019
To buy a median home
$70,410/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,244/month and 20% down on a $330,724 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ALlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Birmingham$998$1,144$1,267$1,583
Huntsville$928$1,071$1,248$1,609
Washington County$810$908$1,092$1,435
Mobile$812$908$1,094$1,441
Montgomery$848$888$1,055$1,345
Columbus$883$937$1,108$1,463

Rent or Buy in Daphne?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Daphne data

$
Home Value
$330,724
2BR Rent
$1,244/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,760/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,435/movs rent: $1,244/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $330,724 home at 7% rate

20% — $66,145
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,760
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$264,579
Total Paid
$633,691
Total Interest
$369,112
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Daphne

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Daphne

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Daphne

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Daphne

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AL

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📋AL Tenant Rights

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