Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,873
in New Hampshire
$82,327
in Texas
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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.6 | 79.4 | +46% |
| Groceries | 99.4 | 95.3 | +4% |
| Utilities | 115.9 | 102.9 | +13% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 92.9 | +12% |
| Healthcare | 107.9 | 96.8 | +11% |
| Dining & Misc | 111.6 | 95.2 | +17% |
| Overall | 110.5 | 91.1 | +21% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Hampshire.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Hampshire | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $465,000 | $295,000 | +$170,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,618/mo | $1,112/mo | +$506 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.21 |
| Electric bill | $183/mo | $87/mo | +$96 |
| Infant childcare | $17,364/yr | $10,706/yr | +$6,658 |
Salary equivalent: New Hampshire → Texas
What a New Hampshire salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Hampshire | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,222 | +$8,778 |
| $75,000 | $61,833 | +$13,167 |
| $100,000 | $82,443 | +$17,557 |
| $150,000 | $123,665 | +$26,335 |
| $200,000 | $164,887 | +$35,113 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. 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 Hampshire is 21% more expensive than Texas overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire or Texas?
Texas is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 21% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $295,000 in Texas.
Is Texas cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, Texas is 21% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than Texas?
Yes, New Hampshire is 21% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in New Hampshire?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Hampshire, you would need approximately $82,443 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.5 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between New Hampshire and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Texas. Median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $295,000 in Texas — a $170,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in New Hampshire vs Texas?
Housing is 46% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.6 vs 79.4). Dining & Misc is 17% higher in New Hampshire (index 111.6 vs 95.2). Utilities is 13% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.9 vs 102.9).
Is gas cheaper in New Hampshire or Texas?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.21 difference per gallon.
New Hampshire vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
New Hampshire has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.5 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 21% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the New Hampshire vs Texas 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
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — 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.
