New Hampshire cost of living
Daily life in New Hampshire comes with its own unique cost structure
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Settling in New Hampshire brings the promise of scenic beauty, top-rated schools and a strong sense of community. But you may also face higher prices in certain categories compared with other regions.
To determine the cost of living in New Hampshire, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent official sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in New Hampshire spend $65,908 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in New Hampshire is $1,834, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in New Hampshire spend $239.33 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.01 in New Hampshire.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in New Hampshire pay $1,828 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in New Hampshire
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in New Hampshire was $65,908 in 2023. This number represents what people typically spend on housing, medical costs, groceries, energy and general goods and services each year.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in New Hampshire:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $11,859 |
| Health care | $9,886 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $5,396 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,714 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $37,054 |
| Total cost | $65,908 |
Housing costs in New Hampshire
For most families and individuals, housing is the largest part of the monthly budget. The average rent in New Hampshire is $1,834, which is higher than the national average of $1,639. Rental prices will fluctuate based on the city or town and the type of home you’re considering. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey shows average monthly rents in New Hampshire as follows:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,193
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,670
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,811
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,980
If you’re planning to purchase a home, the median price in New Hampshire is $512,400, compared with a U.S. median of $446,638.
Property taxes are another key consideration. New Hampshire’s property tax rates are 1.41%. The state ranks No. 6 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation.
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Food costs in New Hampshire
How much you’ll spend on food in New Hampshire depends on your shopping and dining habits. Recent U.S. Census figures place the average weekly grocery bill here at $239.33, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21.
People who stick to home-cooked meals and shop at local markets may be able to control costs, but eating out — especially in popular tourist towns or near ski resorts — can quickly add up. Smaller rural communities often offer better deals on groceries, while metro areas usually see higher menu prices at restaurants and cafes.
Transportation costs in New Hampshire
Drivers in New Hampshire pay an average of $3.01 per gallon for regular gas, while the U.S. average is $3.13.
Auto insurance rates also affect your budget. The typical premium for full coverage in New Hampshire is $915.15, compared with a national average of $1,258.
Health care costs in New Hampshire
The average employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance in New Hampshire is $1,828 per year. Employers cover the rest, with the total annual premium at $8,679.
Nationally, workers pay about $1,640 of the $8,182 premium on average.
Utility costs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire residents typically pay $168.79 each month for electricity, compared with a national average of $136.84.
The cost of natural gas is $16.82 per thousand cubic feet in New Hampshire, compared with $12.92 across the U.S.
FAQ
Does New Hampshire have a high cost of living?
Yes, New Hampshire has a higher cost of living than the national average. Expenses for housing, utilities and health care are more expensive than in most other states, which means families may notice higher bills each month.
Is New Hampshire a good place to live?
Yes, New Hampshire is a good place to live and raise a family. Many people are drawn to New Hampshire for its quality of life, even though costs run higher than average.
» RELATED: Best moving companies
Is New Hampshire good for renters?
Yes, New Hampshire is good for renters. However, rental affordability is a challenge in Vermont, and tenant protections are not as robust as in some other states.
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:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
