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Cost of Living in Dover, DE

Population 39,837 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,344
Median home value$258,900
Median household income$60,199

The median rent in Dover, DE is $1,344/month, 4% lower than the Delaware median and 5% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $258,900, 22% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $60,199 a year, 29% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 26.8%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $53,760/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 4.3×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,309/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Dover vs. Delaware vs. U.S.

DoverDelawareU.S.
Median rent$1,344$1,401$1,413
Median home value$258,900$352,000$332,700
Median household income$60,199$84,954$80,734
Homeownership rate46.9%73.0%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher26.7%35.8%35.7%
Poverty rate15.0%10.4%12.5%
Unemployment rate8.0%5.1%5.2%
Work from home9.0%15.0%15.1%
Median age34.741.638.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Dover, DE?

The median gross rent in Dover, DE is $1,344 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Dover, DE?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $53,760 a year in gross income.

Is Dover, DE expensive to live in?

Rent there is 5% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.3 times the median household income.

Other cities in Delaware

Wilmington, DERent $1,224 · Income $58,671Newark, DERent $1,654 · Income $76,912Middletown, DERent $1,583 · Income $112,831Bear, DERent $1,771 · Income $91,687

Cities with a similar cost of living

Dearborn Heights, MIRent $1,331 · Income $60,391New London, CTRent $1,340 · Income $59,098Park Forest, ILRent $1,365 · Income $61,072Baytown, TXRent $1,307 · Income $59,910Sherman, TXRent $1,324 · Income $58,859Portsmouth, VARent $1,300 · Income $60,491

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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