New Hampshire vs Virginia Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,873
in New Hampshire
$73,386
in Virginia
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 | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.6 | 106.7 | +8% |
| Groceries | 99.4 | 99.7 | 0% |
| Utilities | 115.9 | 97.5 | +19% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 95.5 | +9% |
| Healthcare | 107.9 | 107.6 | 0% |
| Dining & Misc | 111.6 | 101.5 | +10% |
| Overall | 110.5 | 102.2 | +8% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Hampshire.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Hampshire | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $465,000 | $380,000 | +$85,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,618/mo | $1,494/mo | +$124 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.32/gal | +$0.10 |
| Electric bill | $183/mo | $94/mo | +$89 |
| Infant childcare | $17,364/yr | $14,277/yr | +$3,087 |
Salary equivalent: New Hampshire → Virginia
What a New Hampshire salary buys you in Virginia, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Hampshire | Equivalent in Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,244 | +$3,756 |
| $75,000 | $69,367 | +$5,633 |
| $100,000 | $92,489 | +$7,511 |
| $150,000 | $138,733 | +$11,267 |
| $200,000 | $184,977 | +$15,023 |
Positive = your money goes further in Virginia. 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 8% more expensive than Virginia overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 102.2 for Virginia (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire or Virginia?
Virginia is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 8% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $380,000 in Virginia.
Is Virginia cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, Virginia is 8% 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 Virginia?
Yes, New Hampshire is 8% more expensive than Virginia based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Virginia equals $100,000 in New Hampshire?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Hampshire, you would need approximately $92,489 in Virginia. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.5 vs 102.2).
How do housing costs compare between New Hampshire and Virginia?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Virginia. Median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $380,000 in Virginia — a $85,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/mo vs $1,494/mo.
What costs more in New Hampshire vs Virginia?
Utilities is 19% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.9 vs 97.5). Dining & Misc is 10% higher in New Hampshire (index 111.6 vs 101.5). Housing is 8% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.6 vs 106.7).
Is gas cheaper in New Hampshire or Virginia?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire and $3.32/gallon in Virginia — a $0.10 difference per gallon.
New Hampshire vs Virginia cost of living — how do they compare?
New Hampshire has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.5 and Virginia has 102.2 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 8% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Virginia?
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. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.75% on income above $17,001. Use the New Hampshire vs Virginia 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 New Hampshire and Virginia?
New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. Virginia 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.
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
- Virginia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- New Hampshire Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in New Hampshire
- Virginia Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Virginia
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Virginia — How much house can you afford?
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Virginia Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Virginia 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
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- 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.