New Jersey · Population 18,420 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Dover
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Dover has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 120 (where 100 equals the national median), Dover residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,743/month while earning a median household income of $70,519/year.
The median home value in Dover, NJ is $347,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,831 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 29.7%, Dover falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
New Jersey's top income tax rate of 10.75% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.625% sales tax rate and 2.23% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Dover.
Common questions about living costs in Dover