New Hampshire cost of living
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Moving to a new state comes with a long list of things to plan for. Figuring out the practical stuff can free you up to enjoy the exciting parts of moving: new possibilities, new friendships and new places to explore. If you’re thinking about a move to New Hampshire, read on for details about the cost of living in the state.
The median rent in New Hampshire is $1,986.48, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in New Hampshire spend $239.33 weekly on food at home and $83.54 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.37 in New Hampshire.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in New Hampshire pay $1,952 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in New Hampshire
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in New Hampshire is $1,986.48, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in New Hampshire broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in New Hampshire had a median cost of $1,085 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,515 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,719 and $1,880, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in New Hampshire is $497,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Manchester-Nashua metro area was $508,400 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
New Hampshire ranks No. 3 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.93%.
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Food costs in New Hampshire
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in New Hampshire is $239.33, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. New Hampshire residents spend an average of $83.54 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in New Hampshire
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in New Hampshire is $3.37, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in New Hampshire is $880.79, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Health care costs in New Hampshire
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost New Hampshire employees $1,952 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,101 of the $8,053 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in New Hampshire
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in New Hampshire is $158.67, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in New Hampshire costs $18.04 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in New Hampshire compare with the national average?
We ranked New Hampshire as the eighth most expensive state in the nation in a 2023 study. However, it’s less expensive than Massachusetts and Connecticut, its neighbors to the south.
What are the most expensive cities in New Hampshire?
Some of the most expensive places in New Hampshire are New Castle, Rye, North Hampton, Hanover and Newington.
Is New Hampshire safe?
Our 2023 analysis found the Granite State to be the second safest state in the nation.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
