New Hampshire vs Ohio Cost of Living

Ohio is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 17% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $220,000 in Ohio.

Yes, Ohio is 17% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.

Yes, New Hampshire is 17% more expensive than Ohio based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Hampshire, you would need approximately $85,611 in Ohio. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.5 vs 94.6).

Housing is significantly cheaper in Ohio. Median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $220,000 in Ohio — a $245,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/mo vs $1,226/mo.

Housing is 32% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.6 vs 87.6). Utilities is 18% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.9 vs 98.3). Dining & Misc is 15% higher in New Hampshire (index 111.6 vs 96.7).

Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire and $3.44/gallon in Ohio — a $0.02 difference per gallon.

New Hampshire has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.5 and Ohio has 94.6 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 17% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.

Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. 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. Ohio moved to a flat 2.75% income tax in 2026 on income over $26,050, down from a progressive system. Many Ohio cities also levy local income taxes — Columbus charges 2.5%, Cleveland 2.0%, and Cincinnati 1.8%. These local taxes are not withheld automatically by out-of-city employers, so you may owe them separately. Use the New Hampshire vs Ohio paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. Ohio requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. 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.

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.