Dover, NJ vs Fair Haven, NJ

The cost of living difference between Dover, NJ and Fair Haven, NJ is dramatic. Dover is 45.8% cheaper than Fair Haven, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dover has a cost index of 121 while Fair Haven sits at 223, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Dover is $1,743/month compared to $3,500/month in Fair Haven — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dover is more affordable at $347,100 median vs $943,300.

Median household income in Dover is $70,519 compared to $237,132 in Fair Haven (-70.3%). While Fair Haven is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dover spend roughly 29.7% of their income on rent, more than the 17.7% in Fair Haven.