Arizona vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,996
in Arizona
$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 | Arizona | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.3 | 115.6 | +10% |
| Groceries | 101.9 | 99.4 | +3% |
| Utilities | 104.0 | 115.9 | -10% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 104.0 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 107.9 | -13% |
| Dining & Misc | 105.2 | 111.6 | -6% |
| Overall | 110.3 | 110.5 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arizona.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arizona | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $395,000 | $465,000 | $70,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,782/mo | $1,618/mo | +$164 |
| Gas price | $3.97/gal | $3.42/gal | +$0.55 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $183/mo | $70 |
| Infant childcare | $15,625/yr | $17,364/yr | $1,739 |
Salary equivalent: Arizona → New Hampshire
What a Arizona salary buys you in New Hampshire, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arizona | Equivalent in New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,091 | $-91 |
| $75,000 | $75,136 | $-136 |
| $100,000 | $100,181 | $-181 |
| $150,000 | $150,272 | $-272 |
| $200,000 | $200,363 | $-363 |
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
Arizona and New Hampshire have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 110.3 and 110.5 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or New Hampshire?
Arizona and New Hampshire have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Arizona cheaper than New Hampshire?
Arizona and New Hampshire cost roughly the same to live in.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than Arizona?
Arizona and New Hampshire have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in New Hampshire equals $100,000 in Arizona?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arizona, you would need approximately $100,181 in New Hampshire. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.3 vs 110.5).
How do housing costs compare between Arizona and New Hampshire?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arizona. Median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $465,000 in New Hampshire — a $70,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/mo vs $1,618/mo.
What costs more in Arizona vs New Hampshire?
Healthcare is 13% lower in Arizona (index 93.4 vs 107.9). Utilities is 10% lower in Arizona (index 104 vs 115.9). Housing is 10% higher in Arizona (index 127.3 vs 115.6).
Is gas cheaper in Arizona or New Hampshire?
Gas averages $3.97/gallon in Arizona and $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire — a $0.55 difference per gallon.
Arizona vs New Hampshire cost of living — how do they compare?
Arizona has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.3 and New Hampshire has 110.5 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Hampshire?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.50%, reduced from a progressive system in 2023. 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 Arizona 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 Arizona and New Hampshire?
Arizona 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
- Arizona Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arizona vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arizona — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- Arizona Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Arizona Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Arizona 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.