Cost of Living in Dover, FL

Population 3,157 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $42,222, median household incomes in Dover land roughly 43% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 36% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Dover sits roughly 5 miles northeast of Brandon — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Brandon's $294,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 71
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dover

The median home value in Dover is $215,500 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $840/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,222/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Dover has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$215,500
29% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$422,558
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$840/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,085
1 BR
$1,181
2 BR
$1,427
3 BR
$1,797
4 BR
$2,099
Owner-occupied 56.1%
Renter-occupied 43.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$840
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,454/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
36.7 min
36% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
51.7%
Carpooled
18.4%
Walked
1.1%
Bicycle
13.2%
Work from home
13.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.1%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$42,222
43% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,645
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
40% below avg
Poverty Rate
35.5%
Labor Force Participation
55.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 3.8%
Graduate degree 2.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.9
Male median age 32.2
Female median age 50

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
42.7%
Good air days/yr
114
Max AQI recorded
261
PM2.5 days
102
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dover, FL?

Dover has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dover, FL?

The median gross rent in Dover is $840 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dover?

The median home value in Dover is $215,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dover?

The median household income in Dover is $42,222 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dover, FL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dover is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.

Is Dover, FL affordable?

Yes, Dover is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

Dover at a Glance

Population
3,157
Median Income
$42,222
Home Value
$215,500
Median Rent
$840/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Sales Tax
7.0%
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