Cost of living in New Hampshire
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in New Hampshire are 4.2% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 104.2 (U.S. = 100), making it the #9 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare New Hampshire with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs New Hampshire prices
- 6.8% cheaper
- Take-home in New Hampshire at $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $57,390$4,782 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +7.3%+$4,203 a year in New Hampshire buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your New Hampshire take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare New Hampshire with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with New Hampshire as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to New Hampshire? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
New Hampshire prices by category
| Category | New Hampshire | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 104.2 | +4.2% |
| Goods | 98.6 | −1.4% |
| Housing (rent) | 114.9 | +14.9% |
| Utilities | 133.7 | +33.7% |
| Other services | 103.9 | +3.9% |
Housing is the main reason New Hampshire costs more: rents run 15% above average. The overall price level fell 1.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (105.4). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in New Hampshire, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $7,645 | $42,355 | $40,661 | $48,001 |
| $75,000 | $13,408 | $61,593 | $59,130 | $72,001 |
| $100,000 | $20,820 | $79,180 | $76,014 | $96,002 |
At $75,000, New Hampshire ranks #35 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: New Hampshire paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in New Hampshire equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to New Hampshire. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in New Hampshire once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | −6.8% | $69,877 | $74,291 |
| Massachusetts | +1.5% | $76,146 | $82,422 |
| Vermont | −6.0% | $70,531 | $73,175 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −16.5% | $62,596 | $63,585 |
| Mississippi | −16.5% | $62,607 | $63,527 |
| Iowa | −15.7% | $63,190 | $64,091 |
| Oklahoma | −15.7% | $63,248 | $64,886 |
| California | +6.3% | $79,720 | $87,688 |
| Hawaii | +5.6% | $79,166 | $87,283 |
| Washington, DC | +5.5% | $79,130 | $86,143 |
| New Jersey | +4.5% | $78,341 | $84,183 |
| Texas | −6.8% | $69,882 | $69,026 |
| Florida | −0.7% | $74,459 | $74,369 |
| New York | +3.6% | $77,704 | $84,345 |
Moving from New Hampshire to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Is New Hampshire expensive to live in?
New Hampshire has a price level of 104.2 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 4.2% above the national average. It ranks #43 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in New Hampshire?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $78,124 in New Hampshire before taxes. After New Hampshire taxes, $75,000 takes home $61,593 — worth $59,130 at U.S.-average prices, #35 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's housing price level is 114.9, meaning rents are 14.9% above the national average. Goods are 98.6 and utilities 133.7.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Maine (price level 97.0, −6.8% vs New Hampshire). A $75,000 New Hampshire salary is equivalent to $74,291 there after taxes.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.