Cost of Living in Dover, NH

With a cost of living index of 118, Dover, NH is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 18% more expensive than the national average and 16% above the New Hampshire state average of 102. With a population of 33,070, Dover is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Dover's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,540 (17% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $398,500 (31% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Dover is $92,748, which is 23% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Dover. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.1°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 47.8 inches spread over roughly 140 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.