New Hampshire's cost of living index is 108.5 — 8.5% above the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
108.5
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
+8.5%
More expensive
Median Income
$99,782
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$91,965
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 108.5 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | +8.5% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $99,782 | New Hampshire median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $91,965 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | High | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 1,415,342 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 108.5, New Hampshire is 9% above the national average. Higher costs in New Hampshire mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $99,782 in New Hampshire provides the equivalent purchasing power of $91,965 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.New Hampshire's typical home value of $516,300 is well above the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (none in New Hampshire), sales tax (no state sales tax), and property taxes (1.46% effective rate).
