Alabama vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$85,131
in Alabama
$67,873
in New Hampshire
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Alabama | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 71.2 | 115.6 | -38% |
| Groceries | 97.5 | 99.4 | -2% |
| Utilities | 98.0 | 115.9 | -15% |
| Transportation | 90.5 | 104.0 | -13% |
| Healthcare | 91.2 | 107.9 | -15% |
| Dining & Misc | 95.1 | 111.6 | -15% |
| Overall | 88.1 | 110.5 | -20% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alabama.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alabama | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $220,000 | $465,000 | $245,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $997/mo | $1,618/mo | $621 |
| Gas price | $3.13/gal | $3.42/gal | $0.29 |
| Electric bill | $105/mo | $183/mo | $77 |
| Infant childcare | $7,871/yr | $17,364/yr | $9,493 |
Salary equivalent: Alabama → New Hampshire
What a Alabama salary buys you in New Hampshire, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alabama | Equivalent in New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $62,713 | $-12,713 |
| $75,000 | $94,069 | $-19,069 |
| $100,000 | $125,426 | $-25,426 |
| $150,000 | $188,138 | $-38,138 |
| $200,000 | $250,851 | $-50,851 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Hampshire. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New Hampshire is 20% more expensive than Alabama overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 88.1 for Alabama (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or New Hampshire?
Alabama is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 20% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $220,000 in Alabama vs $465,000 in New Hampshire.
Is Alabama cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, Alabama is 20% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than Alabama?
Yes, New Hampshire is 20% more expensive than Alabama based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New Hampshire equals $100,000 in Alabama?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alabama, you would need approximately $125,426 in New Hampshire. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (88.1 vs 110.5).
How do housing costs compare between Alabama and New Hampshire?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Alabama. Median home prices are $220,000 in Alabama vs $465,000 in New Hampshire — a $245,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $997/mo vs $1,618/mo.
What costs more in Alabama vs New Hampshire?
Housing is 38% lower in Alabama (index 71.2 vs 115.6). Utilities is 15% lower in Alabama (index 98 vs 115.9). Healthcare is 15% lower in Alabama (index 91.2 vs 107.9).
Is gas cheaper in Alabama or New Hampshire?
Gas averages $3.13/gallon in Alabama and $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire — a $0.29 difference per gallon.
Alabama vs New Hampshire cost of living — how do they compare?
Alabama has an overall cost-of-living index of 88.1 and New Hampshire has 110.5 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 20% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Hampshire?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Alabama allows a full deduction of federal income taxes paid on state returns, which is unusual among states. New Hampshire has no tax on earned wages — your entire salary is free from state income tax. The state previously taxed interest and dividends at 5% but fully phased that out in January 2025. NH is one of only 9 states with no income tax on wages, making it popular with workers commuting from Massachusetts. Use the Alabama vs New Hampshire paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Alabama and New Hampshire?
Alabama requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Alabama Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alabama vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alabama — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- Alabama Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alabama Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Alabama Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- New Hampshire Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.