Cost of Living for New Hampshire (2026)
New Hampshire (NH) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
113
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$83,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,300/month
State Income Tax Rate
None (no state income tax)
How This Calculator Works in New Hampshire
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between New Hampshire and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses New Hampshire's cost of living index of 113 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
New Hampshire Overview
New Hampshire has a cost of living index of 113, where 100 represents the national average. Southern New Hampshire near Boston is expensive, but the state has no income tax and no sales tax, making it attractive for commuters. Northern New Hampshire is much more affordable. The median household income is $83,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $73,451 in an average-cost location.
How New Hampshire Compares
New Hampshire's cost of living index of 113 compares to Vermont's 114 and Maine's 107. Residents in New Hampshire generally need higher incomes to maintain the same standard of living as those in more affordable states. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 35% less than New Hampshire, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 70% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | COL Index: 114 | Vermont has a cost of living index of 114 and a median household income of $65,000. It is more expensive than New Hampshire. |
| Maine | COL Index: 107 | Maine has a cost of living index of 107 and a median household income of $62,000. It is more affordable than New Hampshire. |
| Massachusetts | COL Index: 135 | Massachusetts has a cost of living index of 135 and a median household income of $89,000. It is more expensive than New Hampshire. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. New Hampshire's index of 113 is above the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. New Hampshire's median household income of $83,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for New Hampshire Residents
- 1Southern New Hampshire near Boston is expensive, but the state has no income tax and no sales tax, making it attractive for commuters. Northern New Hampshire is much more affordable.
- 2New Hampshire's median household income of $83,000 has a real purchasing power of about $73,451 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3New Hampshire has no state income tax, which effectively increases your purchasing power compared to states with similar costs of living but income tax obligations.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within New Hampshire between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.