Dover

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Dover, DE

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Delaware’s capital has something for everyone.

Charming Historic Convenient Quaint

Dover is Delaware’s capital and second most populous city. Home to a number of historic museums and parks, Dover honors its rich history and contains the largest air force base on the East Coast.

History buffs flock to some of the most prominent historical destinations in Dover, including the Air Mobility Command Museum, John Dickinson Plantation, Old State House, Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, First State Heritage Park, and Johnson Victrola Museum.

The Biggs Museum of American Art contains an extensive collection and rotating exhibits sure to satisfy any art connoisseur. Shoppers delight in the range of stores at Dover Mall as well as the antiques and Amish food available at Spence’s Bazaar. Outdoor enthusiasts take to Pickering Beach and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Thrill seekers try their luck at Dover Downs Casino and sports fans relish NASCAR races at Dover International Speedway. Music lovers savor the annual Firefly Music Festival and travelers enjoy being within a two-hour drive of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.

Rent Trends

As of March 2025, the average apartment rent in Dover, DE is $1,190 for a studio, $1,360 for one bedroom, $1,544 for two bedrooms, and $1,935 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Dover has increased by 3.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,360/month
755 Sq Ft
House
$2,345/month
441 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,984/month
678 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Dover, DE

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dover, DE is 3.4% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Dover is 14.1% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,190 - $1,935. You can expect to pay 0.3% less for groceries, 0.7% more for utilities, and 1.5% more for transportation.

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Transportation

47

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

23

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

49

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Welch (Major George S.) Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

353 Students

10
out of 10

North Dover Elementary School

Public

Grades K-4

315 Students

8
out of 10

Brown (W. Reily) Elementary School

Public

Grades 1-5

540 Students

6
out of 10

Stokes (Nellie Hughes) Elementary School

Public

Grades 1-5

461 Students

5
out of 10

Booker T. Washington Elementary School

Public

Grades K-4

334 Students

5
out of 10

Dover Air Force Base Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

125 Students

9
out of 10

Central Middle School

Public

Grades 7-8

860 Students

4
out of 10

Kent County Community School

Public

Grades PK-12

276 Students

Rating Unavailable

Kent County Secondary Intensive Learning Center

Public

Grades 6-12

82 Students

Rating Unavailable

Dover High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,771 Students

3
out of 10

Kent County Community School

Public

Grades PK-12

276 Students

Rating Unavailable

Kent County Secondary Intensive Learning Center

Public

Grades 6-12

82 Students

Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • First State Heritage Park
  • Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village
  • Delaware NERR

Top Apartments in Dover

Houses for Rent in Dover

Property Management Companies in Dover, DE

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2025.