Cost of Living in Dover, NH
Population 33,070 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Dover cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $399,000, rents near $1,540 a month.
Dover is about 30 miles east of Manchester, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
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 $398,500 — 31% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,540/month, 17% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $92,748/year is 24% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Hampshire charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 57.1°F and lows of 37.0°F. Overall, Dover has a cost of living index of 125 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 32 | 36 | 43 | 55 | 66 | 75 | 81 | 80 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 15 | 16 | 25 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 39 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 3.38 | 3.52 | 4.39 | 4.20 | 3.80 | 4.28 | 3.76 | 3.43 | 3.86 | 4.79 | 3.95 | 4.47 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dover, NH?
Dover has a cost index of 125 (100 = national average). It is 25% above the national average.
What is average rent in Dover, NH?
The median gross rent in Dover is $1,540 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dover?
The median home value in Dover is $398,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dover?
The median household income in Dover is $92,748 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dover, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dover is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Dover, NH affordable?
Dover is above average in cost of living, with an index of 125 — about 25% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Dover?
Dover has average high temperatures of 57.1°F and average lows of 37.0°F. Annual precipitation is 47.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dover at a Glance
- Population
- 33,070
- Median Income
- $92,748
- Home Value
- $398,500
- Median Rent
- $1,540/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Hampshire Rankings
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