New Hampshire is a state in New England, United States of America.
It’s usually known as the Granite State for its expanded granite formations and quarries.
Also, this state has three other nicknames – Mother of River, the White Mountain State, and Switzerland of America.
This small but lively Seacoast has many beautiful things to give.
There are mountains for skiing and hiking, forests for camping, miles of snowmobiles, and excellent schools.
Besides, New Hampshire’s cities have tons of tax-free shopping, theaters, and live performance venues.
It’s no wonder millions of people gather in the state each year.
Residents will tell you one of the best reasons for living in New Hampshire is the high quality of life and the stunning landscape all around them.
But for us, the most important part- what is the cost of living in this state, and which cities are the top five most expensive cities in New Hampshire.
Keep reading this guide, and we will answer all your questions.
Contents
Cost of Living in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a cost of living that stands slightly higher than the national average.
However, compared to larger cities like Boston or New York, New Hampshire is nearly affordable.
New Hampshire is an affordable state, and the vast majority of its residents are homeowners.
Indeed, the average home value in New Hampshire is around $260,000, and there’s an average $1,900 monthly homeownership cost in the state.
But, one of the most expensive cities, such as Portsmouth, is $2,400 per month in ownership costs.
Moreover, the average cost of rent in New Hampshire is $1,100 per month.
About 25% of New Hampshire residents are renters.
Right now, the lowest average rent is $720 per month.
Other factors that go into the cost of living, such as healthcare and transportation, are lower in New Hampshire than the national average.
Utility Costs
This state is known for many things, and one of them is definitely high utility bills.
Residents of New Hampshire spend an average of $500 each month on essential utilities, such as electricity and gas.
Consequently, utility bills can be lower for smaller homes, for apartment rentals, determined by energy consumption and the number of people in the space.
However, an apartment’s utility bill is around $150-500 per month.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs are one of the main parts of our everyday life, and also the most expensive one too.
Getting around is a necessity no matter where you live.
Unfortunately, we have to note that getting around town no matter where you live in New Hampshire is not pricey affordable.
In fact, 15 cities in New Hampshire have trains running through them, such as Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth.
The monthly passes are from $50 to enormously $90, which is really a high price for transportation.
Base fares for New Hampshire’s Coast bus cost between $0.95 and $2.50, and “on-demand” drop-offs cost $1.90-$3.20.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
The average cost of living could vary depending on the location in the state of New Hampshire.
Here are the top five most expensive cities in New Hampshire.
Manchester
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 11% higher than the national average.
As so, the average home price in Manchester is fabulous $400,785, while the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,400.
You could spend between $1,100 – $1,800 per month, depending on your location in the city.
Healthcare in Manchester is 15% higher than the national average.
By all means, one doctor’s visit is $126.87, and an appointment with a dentist can cost you more than $110.
Nashua
In this city, housing expenses are more than 33% higher than the national average, and the utility prices are 28% higher than the national average.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% higher than the national average.
Nashua is a city in New Hampshire and is one of the best living places.
But, the most expensive one too.
The average cost of living in Nashua is $1.910, which is in the top 15 of the most expensive cities worldwide.
Concord
Concord, as the capital city of this state, regularly has a high cost of living.
In fact, the average cost of living in Concord is $1790.
Dining at some of the best restaurants in Concord could cost you pretty expensive.
As so, a diner in a restaurant for two people is above $80.
A lunch menu for one person is enormously $20.
But not only the restaurant prices that make this city such an expensive city in New Hampshire.
A gym membership per month is incredibly $45, and a cinema ticker per one person is $14.
Anyways, despite these enormous prices, we honestly recommend you to begin your travel adventure by visiting this wonderful city.
Derry
Derry is a cute and lovely town in Rockingham county.
This city is between Manchester and Salem and allows residents an alternative to a bigger city living in New Hampshire.
Derry is the fourth most populous in the state, with just about 34,000 residents.
Derry has a unique nickname Spacetown and is home to several town parks.
Even though we said that transportation costs in this state are affordable in Derry are not the same.
For instance, a one-way ticket for local transport is almost $3.80, while a monthly transport pass is more than $60.
Dinning in a restaurant for two people could cost you around $67, and a lunch menu for one person is almost $20.
Compared to other cities’ prices, we can sum up that they are highly costly.
That means for food prices also.
One-liter milk in a supermarket is around $3.10, a loaf of bread is $2.90, while eggs (12 regulars) are more than $3.80.
Dover
Dover is a unique city in New Hampshire.
As a small town, has many shops and restaurants but is a quick drive to the beach and the White Mountains.
In other words, there is so much to explore and see in Dover.
But, everything is so expensive.
Almost all prices are the same as in previously mentioned cities.
That is why Dover is one of the five most expensive cities for living in this state.
New Hampshire Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New Hampshire Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in Colorado Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in New Jersey Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Massachusetts Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Connecticut Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Vermont Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Oregon Cities: These Are the Top 5
New Hampshire is a beautiful state with a high quality of life and stunning landscapes, but it can be expensive to live in, especially in cities like Portsmouth, Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Derry.
New Hampshire is a beautiful state with a great quality of life and stunning landscapes, but it comes at a slightly higher cost of living compared to the national average, with cities like Portsmouth, Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Dover being the most expensive.
New Hampshire is a beautiful state with stunning landscapes and affordable living costs, making it an ideal place to live for those seeking high quality of life.