Maine vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,789
in Maine
$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 | Maine | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 135.7 | 115.6 | +17% |
| Groceries | 101.0 | 99.4 | +2% |
| Utilities | 118.9 | 115.9 | +3% |
| Transportation | 103.6 | 104.0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | 115.3 | 107.9 | +7% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.0 | 111.6 | -9% |
| Overall | 114.0 | 110.5 | +3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maine.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maine | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $380,000 | $465,000 | $85,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,900/mo | $1,618/mo | +$282 |
| Gas price | $3.47/gal | $3.42/gal | +$0.05 |
| Electric bill | $174/mo | $183/mo | $8 |
| Infant childcare | $13,310/yr | $17,364/yr | $4,054 |
Salary equivalent: Maine → New Hampshire
What a Maine salary buys you in New Hampshire, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maine | Equivalent in New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,465 | +$1,535 |
| $75,000 | $72,697 | +$2,303 |
| $100,000 | $96,930 | +$3,070 |
| $150,000 | $145,395 | +$4,605 |
| $200,000 | $193,860 | +$6,140 |
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
Maine is 3% more expensive than New Hampshire overall. Maine has an index of 114 vs 110.5 for New Hampshire (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maine or New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is cheaper to live in. Maine is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $465,000 in New Hampshire.
Is New Hampshire cheaper than Maine?
Yes, New Hampshire is 3% cheaper than Maine overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Maine more expensive than New Hampshire?
Yes, Maine is 3% 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 Maine?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maine, you would need approximately $96,930 in New Hampshire. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (114 vs 110.5).
How do housing costs compare between Maine and New Hampshire?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Maine. Median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $465,000 in New Hampshire — a $85,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,900/mo vs $1,618/mo.
What costs more in Maine vs New Hampshire?
Housing is 17% higher in Maine (index 135.7 vs 115.6). Dining & Misc is 9% lower in Maine (index 102 vs 111.6). Healthcare is 7% higher in Maine (index 115.3 vs 107.9).
Is gas cheaper in Maine or New Hampshire?
Gas averages $3.47/gallon in Maine and $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire — a $0.05 difference per gallon.
Maine vs New Hampshire cost of living — how do they compare?
Maine has an overall cost-of-living index of 114 and New Hampshire has 110.5 (national average = 100). Maine is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maine and New Hampshire?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Maine vs New Hampshire paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Maine Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maine vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maine — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- 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.