Rent Affordability for New Hampshire (2026)
New Hampshire (NH) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,400
Median Monthly Income
$6,917
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$2,075
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
20.2%
How This Calculator Works in New Hampshire
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in New Hampshire based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the New Hampshire average.
New Hampshire Overview
With a median household income of $83,000, New Hampshire residents can afford roughly $2,075/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,400/month. New Hampshire has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
How New Hampshire Compares
New Hampshire's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring Vermont, the ratio is 24.8%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $1,300 | Average 1BR rent is $1,300 with median monthly income of $5,250. The 30% rule allows $1,575 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Maine | $1,200 | Average 1BR rent is $1,200 with median monthly income of $5,167. The 30% rule allows $1,550 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Massachusetts | $2,100 | Average 1BR rent is $2,100 with median monthly income of $7,417. The 30% rule allows $2,225 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In New Hampshire, the median household earns $83,000 annually ($6,917 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $2,075 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,400, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for New Hampshire Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In New Hampshire, with a median household income of $83,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $2,075/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in New Hampshire is roughly $1,400/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3New Hampshire has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in New Hampshire.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in New Hampshire, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.