Zero Income Tax, a flourishing job market, and affordable healthcare have motivated more than 111,000 people to move to New Hampshire. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of $485,943, New Hampshire can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Granite State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Franklin and Berlin offer several budget-friendly options. While Franklin offers a cost of living 5.1% lower than the state average, the median home price in Berlin is $188,768.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, NH has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in New Hampshire!
4 Reasons to live in New Hampshire 🪨
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in New Hampshire is ~$440K but you can get houses between $188K and $680K in cities like Berlin, Claremont, and Hanover. This can save you thousands while enjoying better earning opportunities in the Granite State.
- Tax Benefits: New Hampshire offers taxpayers ways to reduce state taxes, including standard and itemized deductions, disaster assistance credits, and low-income tax credits.
- Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare costs in cities that are listed below is up to 17.1% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the state average and national average. You can save money per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | $39,479 | $188,768 | 9,710 | 4.7% | 13.9% |
| Claremont | $46,414 | $255,529 | 12,955 | 3.1% | 16.7% |
| Keene | $63,490 | $329,431 | 22,969 | 2.50% | 11.6% |
| Franklin | $61,664 | $348,681 | 8,766 | 2.3% | 4.8% |
| Rochester | $70,582 | $381,742 | 32,317 | 2.2% | 9.33% |
| Somersworth | $68,762 | $415,847 | 11,964 | 3.6% | 10.9% |
| Concord | $73,156 | $419,500 | 43,552 | 2.9% | 9.34% |
| Laconia | $67,856 | $415,079 | 17,142 | 2.8% | 10.2% |
| Hanover | $111,958 | $680,000 | 12,209 | 2.5% | 10.5% |
| Dover | $90,844 | $512,286 | 33,485 | 2.9% | 7.61% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in NH
The annual population growth of 6% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to New Hampshire. If you’re considering shifting to the Granite State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Berlin
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 21.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $188,768 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,250 |
| ⛪ Known For | St. Anne’s Church |
Berlin is one of the least expensive cities to live in New Hampshire. Its median house rent ranges from $800 – $1,400. With healthcare costs being 14.7% lower than the state average, the city stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in New Hampshire.
Renowned for its tree-lined boulevards and a distinctive charm that echoes its rich history, Berlin offers a captivating blend of culture and modernity. Beyond its affordability, the city is a thriving hub for job seekers, attracting professionals to major employers such as Northway Financial and TCCAP.
» Homes for Sale in Berlin, NH: Find your dream home in one of the cheapest cities to live in New Hampshire.
2. Claremont
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 10.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $255,529 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Cherry Blossom Festival |
Claremont is one of the most budget-friendly cities in New Hampshire with an average home rent of $1,650. It also offers affordable housing which is 48.2% lower than the national average.
Claremont is known for its status as a cultural hub, featuring historic sites and a thriving music scene. The city hosts numerous historic homes that showcase its rich history and cultural significance.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Claremont also boasts a strong economy, providing employment opportunities in various sectors. Companies like NFR and Mikros Technologies are prominent in this area.
» Homes for Sale in Claremont, NH: Browse New Hampshire houses for sale.
3. Keene
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 7.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $329,431 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,600 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Historic Landmarks |
With rental costs of $1,600 below the national average, Keene stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in New Hampshire. The healthcare costs are also 19.1% lower than the national average.
Keene offers a vibrant cultural scene with activities including ballet, opera, drama, choral societies, art galleries, and museums. Additionally, the city also boasts a strong economy, providing a range of employment opportunities. Key industries in the area includes ES3 and C&S Wholesale Grocers.
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4. Franklin
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 5.1%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $348,681 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,400 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Columbus Museum |
Franklin is one of the most affordable places to live in New Hampshire with a median rent of $1,400. With healthcare costs being 18% lower than the national average, the city stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in New Hampshire.
Franklin is currently experiencing an arts and culture renaissance. There’s a lively scene with ballet, Broadway shows, and various art forms that are now a big part of daily life in the city. This cultural renaissance has boosted the economy, attracting new businesses and jobs in arts, hospitality, and retail.
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5. Rochester
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 2.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $381,742 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,100 |
| 🎨 Known For | Museum of Aviation |
Also called the “Home of Planes, Trains, and Heroes,” Rochester’s cost of living is ~3% lower than the state average. The average healthcare expenses are 16.9% lower than the national average.
Rochester’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in New Hampshire. Moreover, Albany International and Eastern Propane & Oil are tow major companies that offer job for its residents.
» Homes for Sale in Rochester, NH: Browse through thousands of inexpensive homes for sale in New Hampshire.
6. Somersworth
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 2.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $415,847 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,950 |
| 🏫 Known For | Architecture |
The house rent in Somersworth is between $1,395 – $3,000. You can comfortably live in this city with an average household income of $75,841. A low cost of living and affordable housing has led to a population growth of ~2.93% since 2020.
Somersworth is a compelling real estate choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable living in New Hampshire. You can discover River Street and the picturesque waterfront zones, where a variety of shops and restaurants await your exploration.
» Homes for Sale in Somersworth, NH: Find cheapest places to buy a house in New Hampshire.
7. Concord
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 5.1% ⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $419,500 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,925 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Music Scene |
Concord is one of the best places to live in New Hampshire. The median home price in Athens is $419,500. The transportation cost is 28.6% lower than the national average.
Concord offers affordable housing and vibrant entertainment. You can explore the stunning State Botanical Garden of New Hampshire and discover the Sandy Creek Nature Center in Athens. Also, the city’s proximity to major cities and highways makes it a convenient hub for commuting and business.
» Homes for Sale in Concord, NH: Get yourself cheap homes for sale in NH.
8. Laconia
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 3.4% ⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $415,079 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,925 |
| 🖼️ Known For | White Mountain National Forest |
The median home price in Laconia is $415K with living expenses 3.4% lower than the national average. Healthcare costs are also 15.5% cheaper than national average.
Laconia offers a diverse range of employment opportunities with major industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Top employers like Taylor Community and Boothby Therapy Services, are some of the leading provider of rehabilitation and therapy services.
» Homes for Sale in Laconia, NH: Search for cheap houses in New Hampshire.
9. Hanover
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 5.6% ⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $680,000 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $3,700 |
| 🏫 Known For | Dartmouth College |
Hanover is a city in NH with a healthcare costs 16.7% lower than the national average. This makes it one of the most affordable places for senior citizen. Residents enjoys transportation of 40% lower due to the city’s well-developed public transit system.
Hanover’s proximity to Dartmouth College creates a vibrant academic atmosphere. The city also attracts top employers like Hypertherm and Atlantic Retail, offering a variety of job opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Hanover, NH: Check out cheap homes for sale in New Hampshire.
10. Dover
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 2.8% ⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $512,286 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,400 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Woodman Institute Museum |
Dover offers a budget-friendly lifestyle with a median rent ranges from $1,000 – $2,400. Healthcare costs in Dover are 16.9% lower than the national average, making it one of New Hampshire’s most affordable places to live.
The city is currently experiencing a cultural renaissance, with a thriving arts scene. Dover also offers businesses and creating job opportunities in the arts, hospitality, and retail sectors. Top companies that offers employment to job seekers, such as Measured Progress and Heine Optotechnik.
» Homes for Sale in Dover, NH: Find cheap houses for sale New Hampshire.
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So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in NH?
You will find cheap houses for sale in New Hampshire under 200K in cities like Berlin, Franklin, and Rochester. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other New Hampshire cities.
Cities like Hanover and Dover have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with New Hampshire’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in NH Under Your Specific Budget
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in NH.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in New Hampshire, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in New Hampshire?
The cheapest place to live in New Hampshire is Berlin. If offers affordable housing costs at 70% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire: Find out the other cheapest places to live in New Hampshire!
Is New Hampshire the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $485,943. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in New Hampshire?
The best place to live in New Hampshire is Berlin, followed by Claremont, Keene, Concord, Conway, Laconia and Rochester.
