Dover, DE Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Dover, DE metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Dover
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Dover, DE metropolitan area run 2.0% below the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 98.0 on a base of 100). That puts Dover close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Delaware household — see the Delaware state report.
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE?
The Dover, DE metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 98.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 2.0% below the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Dover an affordable place to live?
Dover, DE has an InflationRank score of 78/100 (grade C+), reflecting cost of living near the U.S. national average. The metro RPP of 98.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Dover compare to other cities for cost of living?
Dover, DE has a cost-of-living index of 98.0 (U.S.=100), 2.0% below the national average. Similar-cost metros include Eugene-Springfield, OR (RPP 98.0), Raleigh, NC (RPP 98.0).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →