Cost of Living in Darlington: Rent, House Prices, Council Tax and Pay
Renting the average home and paying Band D council tax uses about 36% of the take-home pay on the median full-time salary (£897 of £2,463 a month).
| Cost | Darlington | More detail |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £159,988 | House prices |
| Median full-time salary | £36,166 | Salary |
| Take-home pay a month on the median | £2,463 | |
| Average private rent a month | £689 | Rent |
| Council tax, Band D, a month (12 payments) | £208 | Council tax |
| Mortgage on the average home a month (10% deposit) | £854 | at 5.15% over 25 years |
What the numbers add up to
- Renting the average home and paying Band D council tax uses about 36% of the take-home pay on the median full-time salary (£897 of £2,463 a month).
- A mortgage on the average home with a 10% deposit would cost £854 a month, 43% of take-home pay once council tax is added. The house price is 4.4 times the median full-time salary.
These are averages and medians for the whole area, so your own costs will differ. The comparison of rent with pay is illustrative: the rent figure covers all tenancies, and the median is for full-time employees.
Work out your own budget
Sources: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, ONS Price Index of Private Rents, ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings and the official 2026-27 council tax releases. Each page above gives the date and licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Darlington?
In Darlington the average house price is £159,988, the average rent is £689 a month and Band D council tax is £208 a month, against a median full-time salary of £36,166.
How much of a typical salary goes on rent in Darlington?
Average rent of £689 a month is 28% of the take-home pay (£2,463 a month) on the median full-time salary.
Is it better to rent or buy in Darlington?
Rent averages £689 a month, against about £854 a month for a mortgage on the average home (before upkeep). The right choice depends on how long you will stay. Try the rent or buy calculator.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.