Cost of Living in New Hampshire
Overall index: 110.5 — ranked #15 of 51 (above average cost).
Where your money goes in New Hampshire
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in New Hampshire
Estimated annual spending: $71,712($3,288 remaining)
What things cost in New Hampshire
| Item | New Hampshire | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $465,000 | $360,000 | +$105,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,618/mo | $1,400/mo | +$218 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.42/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.08 |
| Electric bill | $183/mo | $137/mo | +$46 |
| Infant childcare | $17,364/yr | $13,500/yr | +$3,864 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.92 | $4.95 | $0.03 |
| Monthly groceries | $408/mo | $410/mo | $2 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: New Hampshire vs national average
What a salary in New Hampshire is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,250 | +$5,250 |
| $75,000 | $82,875 | +$7,875 |
| $100,000 | $110,500 | +$10,500 |
| $125,000 | $138,125 | +$13,125 |
| $150,000 | $165,750 | +$15,750 |
| $200,000 | $221,000 | +$21,000 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in New Hampshire to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare New Hampshire with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.5, making it above average cost (ranked #15 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $465,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/month.
Is New Hampshire expensive to live in?
Yes, New Hampshire is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 110.5 (average = 100). Costs are elevated across most categories.
How much does housing cost in New Hampshire?
The median home price in New Hampshire is $465,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/month. New Hampshire's housing index is 115.6 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 15.599999999999994% above the national average.
How much are groceries in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's grocery index is 99.4 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.92 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $408, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in New Hampshire?
The average monthly electric bill in New Hampshire is $183 based on the state's residential rate of 20.61¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in New Hampshire?
Center-based infant childcare in New Hampshire averages $17,364/year ($1,447/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in New Hampshire?
A $75,000 salary in New Hampshire has the same purchasing power as $67,873 at the national average cost of living. Because New Hampshire is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this 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 Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after New Hampshire taxes
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare New Hampshire take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.