Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Dover and Wilmington, Delaware. Using Delaware's 0.56% property tax rate and $1,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Dover edges out Wilmington in affordability, saving you roughly $130/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Delaware, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Delaware's 0.56% property tax rate.
Buying in Dover saves you approximately $130/month ($1,560/year) compared to Wilmington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Dover is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $265K versus $285K in Wilmington. That's $20K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $9K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Dover, compared to $10K in Wilmington. Delaware offers the DSHA Homeownership Loan program (Up to 5% Preferred Plus) which applies in both cities.
Wilmington has the better price-to-rent ratio at 17.6x versus 17.7x in Dover. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Wilmington is $1,350/month on a $285K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Wilmington (pop. 70,898) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Dover (pop. 39,403) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Dover, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.