Hawaii vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$40,783
in Hawaii
$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 | Hawaii | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 299.0 | 115.6 | +159% |
| Groceries | 131.4 | 99.4 | +32% |
| Utilities | 194.1 | 115.9 | +67% |
| Transportation | 141.5 | 104.0 | +36% |
| Healthcare | 127.8 | 107.9 | +18% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.5 | 111.6 | +10% |
| Overall | 183.9 | 110.5 | +66% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Hawaii.
What things actually cost
| Item | Hawaii | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $978,000 | $465,000 | +$513,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $4,186/mo | $1,618/mo | +$2,568 |
| Gas price | $4.59/gal | $3.42/gal | +$1.17 |
| Electric bill | $337/mo | $183/mo | +$154 |
| Infant childcare | $21,167/yr | $17,364/yr | +$3,803 |
Salary equivalent: Hawaii → New Hampshire
What a Hawaii salary buys you in New Hampshire, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Hawaii | Equivalent in New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $30,044 | +$19,956 |
| $75,000 | $45,065 | +$29,935 |
| $100,000 | $60,087 | +$39,913 |
| $150,000 | $90,131 | +$59,869 |
| $200,000 | $120,174 | +$79,826 |
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
Hawaii is 66% more expensive than New Hampshire overall. Hawaii has an index of 183.9 vs 110.5 for New Hampshire (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Hawaii or New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is cheaper to live in. Hawaii is 66% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $978,000 in Hawaii vs $465,000 in New Hampshire.
Is New Hampshire cheaper than Hawaii?
Yes, New Hampshire is 66% cheaper than Hawaii overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Hawaii more expensive than New Hampshire?
Yes, Hawaii is 66% more expensive than New Hampshire 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 Hawaii?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Hawaii, you would need approximately $60,087 in New Hampshire. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (183.9 vs 110.5).
How do housing costs compare between Hawaii and New Hampshire?
Housing is significantly cheaper in New Hampshire. Median home prices are $978,000 in Hawaii vs $465,000 in New Hampshire — a $513,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $4,186/mo vs $1,618/mo.
What costs more in Hawaii vs New Hampshire?
Housing is 159% higher in Hawaii (index 299 vs 115.6). Utilities is 67% higher in Hawaii (index 194.1 vs 115.9). Transportation is 36% higher in Hawaii (index 141.5 vs 104).
Is gas cheaper in Hawaii or New Hampshire?
Gas averages $4.59/gallon in Hawaii and $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire — a $1.17 difference per gallon.
Hawaii vs New Hampshire cost of living — how do they compare?
Hawaii has an overall cost-of-living index of 183.9 and New Hampshire has 110.5 (national average = 100). Hawaii is 66% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and New Hampshire?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Hawaii has 12 income tax brackets with a top rate of 11.00% on income over $200,000. 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii and New Hampshire?
Hawaii 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
- Hawaii Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Hawaii vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Hawaii — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- Hawaii Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Hawaii Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Hawaii 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.