Cost of Living in Dover, IL

With a cost of living index of 68, Dover, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 12% below the Illinois state average of 80. Dover is a small community of 122 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Dover's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $825 (37% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $108,900 (64% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Dover is $44,766, which is 40% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.