A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
19%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Dover Ohio National
Cost of living9289100
Groceries9797100
Health care9996100
Housing8174100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9496100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9795100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9193100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Dover, OH

Understanding the cost of living in Dover can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Dover cost of living index is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

In Dover, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Dover will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Dover Affordable?

Is Dover an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Dover, the median home price is 23.1% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 10.6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Dover come in at $88,425, which is 8.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Dover?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Dover, the transportation index is 3% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Dover, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5.75%, and income tax rates start at 2.76%.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Dover, the housing index is 19.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Dover cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Dover is 3% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Dover is 8% lower than the national average
  • Dover housing is 19% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Dover

See all the best places to live around Dover

Compare Dover, OH Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$104,895$8,741$2,447$3,147
      Renters$59,537$4,961$1,389$1,786
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Dover, OH, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Dover, homeowners have a median income of $104,895. Using that number, a maximum of $2,447 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $59,537, which means there is a maximum of $1,389 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 2.76% 3.99%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sandyville, OH133954.7%
      Fresno, OH191963.8%
      Dundee, OH6688118.8%
      Leesville, OH3508118.5%
      Uhrichsville, OH5,4838217.9%
      Dover, OH13,219928.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Joppatowne, MD13,21711717.0%
      Geneva, NY13,221964.1%
      Wickliffe, OH13,221918.5%
      Wellington North, ON13,212n/a 
      El Sobrante CDP (Contra Costa County), CA13,22813635.8%
      Dover, OH13,219928.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.