Example household · Washington, DC · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Dover

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Washington vs Dover

Washington and Dover

Photo: Tim Kiser / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.5

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Dover are close to the US rate in this release, 6 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Washington to Dover

In 2022-2023, 72 households filed a move from Washington to Dover (about 106 people, average adjusted gross income $74,819). 89 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,336 in Dover. Washington has a state tax on wages. Dover has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Dover is 90% of the national level for the same work, against 124% in Washington.

Dover averages 214 sunny days, with July highs around 88°F and January nights around 34°F. Washington is 203 sunny days, 89°F in July, 29°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in Dover and 34 in Washington.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 72 households moved Washington → Dover (about 106 people, average AGI $74,819). 89 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Washington and Dover changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 130 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,650–$3,100
Container or pod
$1,100–$2,100
Rent a truck
$400–$750

Movers in Dover and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Dover cheaper than Washington after tax and rent?

Yes. Dover leaves about $694 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,336 in Dover.

Does Dover have state income tax?

Dover is in Delaware, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Washington to Dover?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.