Cost of Living in Dover, MA
Population 5,893 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dover's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.3 million sit roughly 4 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Dover sits roughly 13 miles southwest of Cambridge — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dover
The median home value in Dover is $1,285,800 — 322% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,500/month, 90% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 62.9°F and lows of 41.0°F. Overall, Dover has a cost of living index of 329 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 229% more expensive.
Dover has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 42 | 49 | 61 | 71 | 80 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 41 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 2.80 | 3.72 | 3.96 | 3.30 | 3.92 | 3.03 | 3.63 | 3.82 | 4.54 | 3.69 | 4.09 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dover, MA?
Dover has a cost index of 329 (100 = national average). It is 229% above the national average.
What is average rent in Dover, MA?
The median gross rent in Dover is $2,500 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dover?
The median home value in Dover is $1,285,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Dover?
The median household income in Dover is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dover, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dover is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Dover, MA affordable?
Dover is above average in cost of living, with an index of 329 — about 229% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Dover?
Dover has average high temperatures of 62.9°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 43.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dover at a Glance
- Population
- 5,893
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $1,285,800
- Median Rent
- $2,500/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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