Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire

New Hampshire, with its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant communities, offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Landmarks such as Mount Washington, Hampton Beach, and the Canterbury Shaker Village highlight the state's diverse attractions. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. New Hampshire's tax structure is quite favorable, with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes, enhancing the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, New Hampshire remains one of the more affordable states in the New England region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and favorable tax policies makes New Hampshire an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in New Hampshire can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in New Hampshire include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and community spirit, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Berlin Population: 10,025 23% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $85,100 Med. Rent: $673 Med. Household Inc.: $39,091

With a cost of living index that is 23% cheaper than the state average, Berlin is the cheapest place to live in New Hampshire. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Berlin provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Claremont Population: 12,969 11% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $133,400 Med. Rent: $979 Med. Household Inc.: $46,848

The second most affordable city in New Hampshire is Claremont and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 11% cheaper than the New Hampshire average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Newport Population: 5,530 9% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $147,500 Med. Rent: $1,055 Med. Household Inc.: $66,102

Newport lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in New Hampshire, with a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Franklin Population: 8,695 6% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $188,700 Med. Rent: $889 Med. Household Inc.: $57,992

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Franklin offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 6% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Keene Population: 22,823 5% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $186,200 Med. Rent: $1,018 Med. Household Inc.: $57,393

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Keene is ideal, with a cost of living that is 5% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the New Hampshire average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Rochester Population: 31,305 5% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $186,600 Med. Rent: $1,071 Med. Household Inc.: $66,831

Rochester comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in New Hampshire and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 5% cheaper than New Hampshire. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Laconia Population: 16,584 5% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $193,700 Med. Rent: $991 Med. Household Inc.: $55,814

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Laconia is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Somersworth Population: 12,027 2% cheaper than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $211,400 Med. Rent: $1,153 Med. Household Inc.: $67,209

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Somersworth fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 2% cheaper than New Hampshire.

Concord Population: 43,503 1% more expensive than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $239,300 Med. Rent: $1,104 Med. Household Inc.: $70,004

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Concord is one of the most affordable cities in New Hampshire, and has a cost of living that is 1% more expensive than the state average.

Manchester Population: 112,441 1% more expensive than New Hampshire average

Med. Home Value: $241,600 Med. Rent: $1,160 Med. Household Inc.: $62,087

With a cost of living that is 1% more expensive than New Hampshire, Manchester comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in New Hampshire. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in New Hampshire

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Berlin	10,025	91	$85,100	$39,091
2	Claremont	12,969	106	$133,400	$46,848
3	Newport	5,530	108	$147,500	$66,102
4	Franklin	8,695	111	$188,700	$57,992
5	Keene	22,823	112	$186,200	$57,393
6	Rochester	31,305	113	$186,600	$66,831
7	Laconia	16,584	113	$193,700	$55,814
8	Somersworth	12,027	117	$211,400	$67,209
9	Concord	43,503	119	$239,300	$70,004
10	Manchester	112,441	120	$241,600	$62,087
11	Hudson	7,230	120	$241,700	$65,659
12	Derry	22,891	121	$246,200	$69,813
13	Milford	8,644	121	$238,500	$65,328
14	Exeter	9,349	121	$240,500	$68,984
15	Hooksett	5,517	122	$220,900	$74,497
16	Lebanon	13,718	123	$261,900	$73,704
17	Dover	31,922	124	$274,100	$74,833
18	South Hooksett	5,911	125	$289,200	$78,733
19	Newmarket	5,737	125	$269,900	$69,259
20	Nashua	89,052	126	$279,800	$73,785
21	Londonderry	12,053	133	$331,800	$107,813
22	Durham	12,016	134	$373,100	$61,845
23	Hampton	10,002	139	$390,500	$82,092
24	Portsmouth	21,418	146	$456,200	$78,712
25	Hanover	8,744	154	$503,300	$79,844

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in New Hampshire, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.