Dover

Dover, DE is the capital of the First State.
Browse local boutiques in Downtown Dover.
Browse local boutiques in Downtown Dover.
Reel in a prize herring or perch at Silver Run Park.
Dover has many festivals throughout the year.

Dover, DE Area Guide

Delaware’s capital has something for everyone.

Charming Historic Convenient Quaint

Dover, Delaware combines historical significance with contemporary living in the state's capital city. The community of approximately 39,000 residents offers housing options from downtown properties to suburban developments. Current rental trends show one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,360 per month and two-bedroom units around $1,537, reflecting annual increases between 1.5% and 3.5%. The historic district surrounding The Green showcases colonial architecture and houses the Biggs Museum of American Art. Delaware State University's campus enhances the educational landscape in the city's western section.

As the state capital, Dover balances government operations with recreation and entertainment. Silver Lake Park spans 182 acres, providing spaces for fishing, walking trails, and outdoor activities. The Dover Motor Speedway hosts major NASCAR events throughout the year, while the Firefly Music Festival brings musical performances to the region. Local Amish markets contribute handcrafted goods and fresh produce to the community. The Route 13 corridor features the Dover Mall and various retail establishments, while downtown Dover maintains independent shops and local eateries. Positioned between the Delaware beaches and major cities, Dover offers convenient access to both coastal attractions and urban centers.

Explore the City

Browse local boutiques in Downtown Dover.

Dover has many festivals throughout the year.

Reel in a prize herring or perch at Silver Run Park.

Rent Trends

As of March 2026, the average apartment rent in Dover, DE is $1,188 for a studio, $1,448 for one bedroom, $1,661 for two bedrooms, and $2,154 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Dover has increased by 2.1% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,448/month
771 Sq Ft
House
$2,183/month
859 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,941/month
250 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Dover, DE

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dover, DE is 4.5% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Dover is 15.6% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,188 - $2,154. You can expect to pay 0.1% less for groceries, 3.5% less for utilities, and 3.8% more for transportation.

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Getting Around

Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Dover, DE is for everyday living.

Car-Dependent

47 / 100

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

Minimal Transit

23 / 100

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

Bikeable

49 / 100

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

Schools

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

Search Nearby Rentals

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 2026.