Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,873
in New Hampshire
$59,618
in New York
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 | New Hampshire | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.6 | 174.7 | -34% |
| Groceries | 99.4 | 103.3 | -4% |
| Utilities | 115.9 | 101.5 | +14% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 108.1 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 107.9 | 110.9 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 111.6 | 105.8 | +5% |
| Overall | 110.5 | 125.8 | -12% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Hampshire.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Hampshire | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $465,000 | $450,000 | +$15,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,618/mo | $2,446/mo | $828 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.47/gal | $0.05 |
| Electric bill | $183/mo | $174/mo | +$8 |
| Infant childcare | $17,364/yr | $17,361/yr | +$3 |
Salary equivalent: New Hampshire → New York
What a New Hampshire salary buys you in New York, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Hampshire | Equivalent in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,923 | $-6,923 |
| $75,000 | $85,385 | $-10,385 |
| $100,000 | $113,846 | $-13,846 |
| $150,000 | $170,769 | $-20,769 |
| $200,000 | $227,692 | $-27,692 |
Positive = your money goes further in New York. 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 York is 12% more expensive than New Hampshire overall. New York has an index of 125.8 vs 110.5 for New Hampshire (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire or New York?
New Hampshire is cheaper to live in. New York is 12% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $450,000 in New York.
Is New Hampshire cheaper than New York?
Yes, New Hampshire is 12% cheaper than New York overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New York more expensive than New Hampshire?
Yes, New York is 12% 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 York equals $100,000 in New Hampshire?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Hampshire, you would need approximately $113,846 in New York. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.5 vs 125.8).
How do housing costs compare between New Hampshire and New York?
Housing is significantly cheaper in New York. Median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $450,000 in New York — a $15,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/mo vs $2,446/mo.
What costs more in New Hampshire vs New York?
Housing is 34% lower in New Hampshire (index 115.6 vs 174.7). Utilities is 14% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.9 vs 101.5). Dining & Misc is 5% higher in New Hampshire (index 111.6 vs 105.8).
Is gas cheaper in New Hampshire or New York?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire and $3.47/gallon in New York — a $0.05 difference per gallon.
New Hampshire vs New York cost of living — how do they compare?
New Hampshire has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.5 and New York has 125.8 (national average = 100). New York is 12% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and New York?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the New Hampshire vs New York 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
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New York Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire vs New York Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New York — 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.
