Most affordable places to live in New Hampshire have cost of living at 21.4% below the national average. The median home prices sit at $190,000.
The Granite State offers no state income tax and no sales tax. As a result, a family earning $75,000 saves $5625 each year compared to the neighbor Massachusetts.
Whether you are dreaming of snowmobile adventures or lazy summer afternoons, New Hampshire makes that accessible. This guide reveals where budgets stretch the furthest.
Key Takeaways
- Berlin is the most affordable city. Median home prices are at $190,000 and rent at $1300.
- Tax advantages save thousands. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax.
- Keene offers college town affordability. Median rent reaches $1075 despite cultural amenities.
- Capital city living surprisingly costs less than expected. Concord’s median home prices are at $380,000 while offering stability.
Comparing Most Affordable Places to Live in New Hampshire
Here’s how top affordable cities compare on prices, rent, and cost of living. These numbers make it easier to see where savings are possible.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs US | Best For |
| Berlin | $190,000 | $1,300 | -21.4% | Outdoor enthusiasts, budget shoppers |
| Claremont | $267,000 | $1,400 | -15% | Families, Vermont border access |
| Keene | $252,000-$314,000 | $1,075 | +9-13% | College town living, students |
| Franklin | $250,000 | $1,200 | -12% | Retirees, river recreation |
| Rochester | $295,000-$400,000 | $1,497-$1,714 | -2-3% | Fair enthusiasts, commuters |
| Somersworth | $296,000 | $1,410 | -2.8% | Young families, first-time buyers |
| Concord | $380,000-$390,000 | $1,447 | +3-5% | State employees, culture seekers |
7 Most Affordable Places to Live in New Hampshire
1. Berlin
- Median Home Price: $190,000
- Median Rent: $1,300
- Cost of Living: 21.4% below US average
- Best For: Budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, retirees seeking mountain living, ATV/snowmobile riders
This Great North Woods city was a former mill town. Now, it reinvents itself as an outdoor recreation destination. The Androscoggin River cuts through the brick downtown buildings.
Brown Elementary School and Berlin High School serve the community with education. The residents maintain their strong Franco-American heritage through food and culture.
Along with low housing costs, healthcare costs are also 14.7% below the national median. Major employment sectors are healthcare and logging, hence low job diversity. However, crime rates are higher than the state average.
👉Berlin offers budget-friendly living surrounded by natural beauty. So begin exploring Berlin homes for sale now!
2. Claremont
- Median Home Price: $267,000
- Median Rent: $1,400
- Cost of Living: 15% below US average
- Best For: Families seeking affordable housing near Vermont border, retirees desiring small-city amenities, arts enthusiasts
Sullivan County’s only city showcases Victorian architecture along downtown streets. The Claremont Opera House hosts theater productions while the Fiske Free Library holds programs.
Stevens High School and Middle School maintain an 11:1 student-teacher ratio. However, school proficiency rates are at 23%, below the state averages.
Housing costs clock in 48.2% below the national average with median household income at $57,000. Furthermore, Valley regional Hospital and manufacturing companies provide stable employment.
👉Claremont combines affordability with small-town charm. So explore Claremont homes for sale today!
3. Keene
- Median Home Price: $252,000-$314,000
- Median Rent: $1,075
- Cost of Living: 9-13% above US average
- Best For: College students, young professionals, families valuing education, outdoor recreationists
This vibrant college town balances the Keene State College crowd with family neighborhoods. Central Square’s downtown boasts independent shops and cafes.
Along with it, the 1924 Colonial Theatre presents concerts and films. Furthermore, the city hosts New Hampshire’s Pumpkin Festival to celebrate Halloween. Mount Monadnock also provides hiking access alongside Ashuelot River Park.
The median household income reaches $76,536, whereas, healthcare costs are 19.1% below national norms. The city has earned it recognition as one of the most affordable places to live in New Hampshire.
👉Keene offers affordability along with a lively downtown and community feel. So begin browsing Keene homes for sale today!
4. Franklin
- Median Home Price: $250,000
- Median Rent: $1,200
- Cost of Living: 12% below US average
- Best For: Budget-conscious families, retirees seeking river recreation, anglers
The “Three Rivers City” maintains it working-class roots. Franklin High School and Paul A. Smith Elementary provide individual attention.
Furthermore, Odell Park’s riverfront boat launches and Franklin Falls Dam offers outdoor recreation. Along with it, Webster Lake and Winnipesaukee River offer fishing activities.
Median household income sits at $69,870 with a 6.4% poverty rate. Limited shopping variety and lower median income needs careful budget planning.
👉Franklin offers affordability and outdoor adventure. So start your Franklin homes for sale search!
5. Rochester
- Median Home Price: $295,000-$400,000
- Median Rent: $1,497-$1,714
- Cost of Living: 2-3% lower than US average
- Best For: Families seeking suburban amenities at affordable prices, Portsmouth/Boston commuters, fair enthusiasts
Rochester enjoys the historic mills and the suburban neighborhoods while having access to Boston. Rochester Fair brings agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and entertainment each September.
Spaulding High School and Rochester Middle School serve 4500 students. Furthermore, Frisbie Memorial Hospital and manufacturing firms provide stable employment.
Median Household income reaches $79,388 with a 5.6% poverty rate, while the community center provides pool and fitness facilities. However, high crime rates and traffic congestion present problems.
👉Rochester offers affordable living close to the Seacoast. So begin your Rochester homes for sale search today!
6. Somersworth
- Median Home Price: $296,000
- Median Rent: $1,410
- Cost of Living: 2.8% lower than US average
- Best For: Young families, first-time homebuyers, Portsmouth area commuters
Somersworth was New Hampshire’s first city to elect a female mayor. The city is along the Salmon Falls River, defining the Maine border.
Somersworth High School and Maple Wood Elementary serves with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. While, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park encourage walkable neighborhoods.
The median age of 38.2 years marks the youngest demographic on this list. Median household income reaches $79,677, though the poverty rate is 9.7%.
👉Somersworth offers small-town charm with affordable housing. So explore Somersworth homes for sale today!
7. Concord
- Median Home Price: $380,000-$390,000
- Median Rent: $1,447
- Cost of Living: 3-5% above US average
- Best For: State employees, families valuing education and culture, history enthusiasts
The capital city centers on the gold-domed State House and balances government employment with New England charm. State government agencies and Concord Hospital anchor employment.
Concord High School and Rundlett Middle school maintain strong academics. Additionally, the McAuliffe-Shephard Discovery Center honors the teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe.
Transportation costs run 28.6% below the national median, though housing costs are higher. Moreover, White Park and Merrimack River Greenway Trail offers recreation.
👉Concord combines affordability with access to New Hampshire’s capital amenities. So explore Concord homes for sale now!
How We Ranked New Hampshire’s Most Affordable Cities in 2025
Our comprehensive analysis uses weighted criteria such as,
- Housing Costs (40%)
- Overall Cost of Living (20%)
- Employment and Income (15%)
- Community Livability (15%)
- Safety and Crime (10%)
Our data sources include Redfin Data Center, Zillow, RentCafe, local Multiple Listing Services. Along with this, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), US Census Bureau 2024 Population Estimates, NH Employment Security.
Additionally, the Niche rankings, NH Department of Education, FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and municipal planning departments.
Finally, the University of New Hampshire research centers, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, New Hampshire Association of Realtors
What Drives Affordability in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s lack of state income and sales tax saves residents thousand each year. Though higher poverty taxes fund local services, including school districts.
Housing costs vary from Berlin to Concord, based on proximity to Boston, local economy, and amenities. Utility costs are 20% above the national average, while grocery sits 7% above the national norm.
Healthcare costs generally run 14-17% below national medians. Furthermore, transportation costs vary from 28-40% below average.
Smart Tips for New Hampshire Living
- Research property tax rates carefully.
- Consider winter preparedness costs.
- Explore commuter routes to Boston before purchasing.
- Investigate school district proficiency ratings.
- Factor tourism season impacts on traffic, crowds, and employment.
Should You Move to New Hampshire?
Most affordable places to live in New Hampshire balance no-tax advantages with outdoor recreation. The Granite state offers lifestyle value through hiking, boating, and cultural amenities.
Whether you are looking for Berlin’s extreme affordability, or Keene’s college town energy, these 7 cities give you that.
Start you New Hampshire homes for sale search through Houzeo’s listings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable place to live in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's most affordable place is Berlin with median home prices at $190,000, median rent at $1,300 monthly, and cost of living 21.4% below the national average.
What are the top 7 most affordable cities in New Hampshire?
The top 7 most affordable New Hampshire cities include: Berlin ($190,000 median home price), Claremont ($267,000), Keene ($252,000-$314,000), Franklin ($250,000), Rochester ($295,000-$400,000), Somersworth ($296,000), Concord ($380,000-$390,000).
Which New Hampshire cities are best for families on a budget?
For families on a budget, Claremont, Franklin, Rochester are best for families on a budget with median home prices ranging from $250,000 to $295,000 and strong community-oriented atmospheres.
What makes New Hampshire one of the most affordable states?
New Hampshire's zero state income tax and zero sales tax save residents thousands annually, with a $75,000 household keeping approximately $5,625 more compared to neighboring Massachusetts.
