Cost of Living in New Hampshire, 2023
New Hampshire is a great state with lots to offer. Whether you are interested in bright bustling cities, soaring mountains, or vast unspoiled forests, there are plenty of things to enjoy in New Hampshire.
It comes as no surprise that New Hampshire, one of the original 13 colonies of the nation, is filled with the old-world charm of historic towns. Still, it also offers residents and visitors breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes.
This particular corner of the country is becoming an increasingly popular place to call home. So, you might wonder what the cost of living in New Hampshire might look like. Don’t worry, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Start by checking out this apartment guide, then keep scrolling for all the details on building out your new budget in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Housing Costs
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking at New Hampshire or anywhere else in the country; your monthly costs associated with housing, whether it be rent or mortgage payments, are likely to be one of your highest living expenses. It’s crucial to build a budget around your anticipated housing costs, knowing how high they can be, especially before your big move.
Thankfully, housing prices throughout New Hampshire are affordable, even amongst the most popular cities. Compared to similarly-sized cities across the country, New Hampshire’s average housing prices fall on the lower end of the range. For a more detailed breakdown, here is a list of average rent prices in the five most popular New Hampshire cities, including Dover, Portsmouth, Amherst, Concord, and Manchester.
| City | Starting 1-Bedroom Rent | Starting 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Dover, NH | $1,775 | $1,795 |
| Portsmouth, NH | $1,300 | $1,743 |
| Amherst, NH | $1,400 | $1,695 |
| Concord, NH | $1,100 | $1,450 |
| Manchester, NH | $1,329 | $1,773 |
Even though New Hampshire’s rent prices are relatively affordable, you can find considerable savings by renting with a roommate. For example, if you rent in Portsmouth and split the costs of renting a two-bedroom apartment, you can save over $530 per month. That adds up to $6,360 over a 12-month lease!
New Hampshire has rental properties in all forms, from apartments amongst cobblestone streets to homes found in historic communities. Needless to say, there’s something to fit every renter’s taste in New Hampshire.
Finding the Best New Hampshire Apartment for You
If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12-month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.
New Hampshire Transportation
Getting around in New Hampshire can add up, with average annual transportation costs of $4,470 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. If you’re a family of four with two working parents and two children, you can anticipate paying around $11,821 in transportation costs on an annual basis.
Every county within the state has public transportation, with a wide range of services, including specialized services for individuals with disabilities and seniors, intercity services, and local bus systems.
You can view an extensive list of the available transit services available in New Hampshire through the state’s Department of Transportation Rideshare Transit Services website.
While public transportation is one option, it is easiest to have your own reliable transportation. To get a better idea of the costs associated with having your own vehicle, take a look at the average gas prices in the major cities in New Hampshire:
- Dover: $3.29/gallon
- Portsmouth: $3.50/gallon
- Concord: $3.89/gallon
- Manchester: $3.53/gallon
Keep in mind that these prices are well below the national average, which currently sits at $3.78 per gallon of regular gas.
New Hampshire Food Costs
The average single New Hampshire resident spends around 4,559 annually on food or roughly $379.92 per month. A family of two working adults and two children nearly triples the cost to $13,429 annually, roughly $1,119.08 per month.
Keep in mind that these figures are associated with food that has been picked up at the local Shaw’s, Hannaford Supermarket, or Kulick’s Market and has been entirely prepared in the home. You may also want to budget for other additional food costs if you are anything short of a mastermind in the kitchen.
With so many delicious restaurants to choose from and iconic New Hampshire foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals out on the town. Remember to account for eating out in your budget, and make sure you try the famous apple cider donuts, venison, spiked cider, and of course, clam chowder.
To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant, with three courses, across New Hampshire:
- Dover: $70
- Portsmouth: $100
- Concord: $72.50
- Manchester: $65
New Hampshire Healthcare Costs
When considering the move to New Hampshire, don’t overlook healthcare costs. A single adult with no children will pay around $4,470 for medical care in a single year. A family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $11,821, not including child care.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle should always be a top priority, regardless of where you choose to live. So, whether you see your doctor annually or suffer from any chronic illnesses, it is always essential to have proper health insurance to stay on top of costs for care. It can be beneficial in emergencies to ensure you can afford any treatments necessary.
Check out the federal healthcare marketplace to see what coverage is available in your new location before your big move. You can report your move to make sure you qualify for out-of-state coverage if you happen to relocate outside of an enrollment period, which usually falls in November.
Even when moving to a different state, if you’re under the age of 26 and still on your parent’s insurance plan, it is possible to maintain standing through their policy. You'll want to check with your current provider first to see which doctors, if any, fall in network in your new location.
New Hampshire Utilities
Average utility bills in New Hampshire can vary, depending on your area, but fall far below the national average of $237.93 monthly. The average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment, is broken down by the major cities in New Hampshire:
- Dover: $519.10
- Portsmouth: $234.45
- Concord: $174.68
- Manchester: $205.20
Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!
Unfortunately, these average costs do not include other expenses, such as the internet. The average monthly costs of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities are:
- Dover: $94.67
- Portsmouth: $755
- Concord: $64
- Manchester: $91.67
Don't forget about other necessary expenses that start to add up, such as the monthly cost of your cell phone bill, which averages $127.37 for the nation. You might be able to combine your cell phone and internet into one plan for an additional discount. Otherwise, other discounts might also be available to new customers, so always be sure to ask.
New Hampshire Fitness and Entertainment
There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities for anyone throughout New Hampshire. Remember to account for some of your fitness and entertainment expenses in your budget, too. Thankfully, we’re here to help you by providing you with a breakdown of some of these costs before moving to New Hampshire.
Fitness
In New Hampshire, winters are freezing and filled with snow, with an average of nearly 72” of snowfall each year. As to be expected, this can make outdoor exercise challenging. To maintain your fitness through the harsh winters, you might want to consider a gym membership.
Thankfully, the average cost, per month, of a fitness club in major cities throughout New Hampshire is relatively low:
- Dover: $37.50
- Portsmouth: $47.50
- Concord: $35
- Manchester: $32.16
Outdoor activities such as running, hiking, biking, and walking can help you save on costs as weather permits. Just remember that there are four very distinct seasons in New Hampshire, meaning you’ll have to account for the proper attire for each.
State Parks
While New Hampshire does not have any national parks, it is home to 93 state parks with unique outdoor activities and recreation. Some of the most popular national and state parks in New Hampshire:
- Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln
- Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown
- Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountains
- Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park in Cornish
- Echo Lake State Park in Conway
Museums
In addition to its extensive parks, New Hampshire is also home to over 150 museums, great for year-round family entertainment. Some of the most famous museums in the state include:
- Strawbery Banke Museum
- Currier Museum of Art
- USS Albacore Museum
- Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
- Wright Museum of WWII
Other Expenses to Consider in New Hampshire
The great news is that there is no income tax on salary and wages in addition to no sales tax in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, this does come at a cost as New Hampshire is known for having the highest average effective property tax rates in the nation and a 5% tax on interest and dividends.
Renters considering moving to New Hampshire from out of state will also have to account for additional costs, including movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Big moves like this will also require additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other optional add-ons.
Another often overlooked expense comes once you have moved into your new apartment. After all, you’ll want to do some decorating to make it feel like a home. Unfortunately, furnishing a new apartment can be expensive. Check out these tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget.
What Salary Do I Need to Live in New Hampshire?
Your recommended salary for living in New Hampshire will depend on the type of lifestyle you plan to lead. To figure out an ideal salary, you can take a look at a few different options.
Living Wage
The living wage in New Hampshire is $17.23 an hour, which is the basic wage needed to pay for essentials such as housing, food, and necessities for an individual adult.
Average Salary Index
The average salary index in New Hampshire is $72,000 per year, which is roughly $20.13 an hour.
The 30% Rule
You can also follow the 30% rule to determine your recommended salary in New Hampshire. According to this rule, you should not be spending more than one-third of your gross income on rent.
For example, if you’re planning to rent in Manchester, the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,329. According to the 30% rule, your monthly wages should be at least $4,430 a month or an annual salary of $53,160.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to move to a small state with a big personality, New Hampshire might be the state for you. Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in New Hampshire!
FAQs: Cost of Living in New Hampshire in 2023:
How expensive is an apartment in New Hampshire?
A one bedroom apartment in Dover, NH costs $1,775 and a two bedroom costs $1,795.
A one bedroom apartment in Portsmouth, NH is $1,300 and a two bedroom costs $1,743.
A one bedroom apartment in Amherst, NH costs $1,400 and a two bedroom costs $1,695.
A one bedroom apartment in Concord costs $1,100 and a two bedroom costs $1,450.
A one bedroom apartment in Manchester, NH costs $1,329 and a two bedroom costs $1,773.
What is the cheapest rent in New Hampshire?
Currently, the cheapest rent in New Hampshire is in Concord for a one bedroom apartment that costs $1,100.
How expensive is it to live in New Hampshire?
The average single New Hampshire resident spends around $4,559 annually on food or roughly $379.92 per month. A family of two working adults and two children nearly triples the cost to $13,429 annually, roughly $1,119.08 per month. Transportation in New Hampshire costs $4,470 for a single individual. Two working parents and two children spend around $11,821 in transportation annually.
How far is New Hampshire from New York?
New Hampshire to New York is 268.9 miles and takes about four and a half hours to drive via I-95 N. You can also take a train from New Hampshire to New York and connect in Boston.
How far is New Hampshire from Boston?
Boston to New Hampshire is 69 minutes and takes about an hour to drive via I-93 N. Train service is also available from New Hampshire to Boston.
What is the population of New Hampshire?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of New Hampshire was 1,395,231 in 2022.
What is a good salary in New Hampshire?
U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average salary for New Hampshire residents is $83,449. However, to stick to the rule of spending only 30% on your monthly income on rent, you only need an income of $53,160 to live comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in Manchester, New Hampshire that costs $1,329.
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