Dover, DE

Below Avg · 85

Delaware · Population 39,491 · Updated March 2026

$1,252
Median Rent / Month
$58,336
Median Income
$248,500
Median Home Value
$1,274
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Dover

25.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Delaware

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

6.6%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
0%
Sales Tax
0.57%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,024
Annual Rent
$3,850
State Income Tax
$1,416
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Dover offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 85 (where 100 equals the national median), Dover residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,252/month while earning a median household income of $58,336/year.

The median home value in Dover, DE is $248,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,274 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.8%, Dover falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Delaware has a moderate income tax rate of 6.6%. Combined with a 0% sales tax rate and 0.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Dover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Dover

What is the cost of living in Dover, DE?
The cost of living index in Dover, DE is 85 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,252, median household income is $58,336/year, and the median home value is $248,500.
Is Dover, DE affordable?
Yes, Dover is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 85. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Dover, DE?
The median gross rent in Dover, DE is $1,252 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,024.
What is the median household income in Dover?
The median household income in Dover, DE is $58,336 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Delaware?
Delaware has a top income tax rate of 6.6%, a sales tax of 0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.57%.