New Hampshire attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Top rated colleges, beautiful beaches, and excellent healthcare. You can’t go wrong with the Granite State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $400,000. Berlin’s cost of living is 21.4% lower than the national average, and Claremont is 10.9% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Keene’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $326K. Meanwhile, Dover offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $506,823.
Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire in 2025
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in New Hampshire. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National or State Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Berlin | $189,691 | $1,300 | 21.4% lower ⬇️ | $43,972 | 9,459 |
| 2. Claremont | $253,780 | $1,600 | 10.9% lower ⬇️ | $54,520 | 13,111 |
| 3. Keene | $326,974 | $1,495 | 7.9% lower ⬇️ | $78,183 | 22,917 |
| 4. Franklin | $348,976 | $1,523 | 5.1% lower ⬇️ | $69,870 | 8,790 |
| 5. Rochester | $375,468 | $2,100 | 2.8% lower ⬇️ | $79,388 | 33,519 |
| 6. Somersworth | $416,346 | $2,000 | 2.8% lower ⬇️ | $79,677 | 12,192 |
| 7. Concord | $414,224 | $1,750 | 5.1% lower ⬇️ | $83,701 | 44,629 |
| 8. Laconia | $409,901 | $1,728 | 3.4% lower ⬇️ | $68,427 | 17,142 |
| 9. Hanover | $933,778 | $3,100 | 5.6% lower ⬇️ | $135,250 | 12,209 |
| 10. Dover | $506,823 | $2,140 | 2.8% lower ⬇️ | $92,748 | 33,485 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Granite State:
#1 Berlin
- Median house rent is $1,300 | Rental prices range between $1,200 and $1,800.
- Median home value of Berlin is $189,691.
- Cost of living in Berlin is 21.4% cheaper than the national average.
With healthcare costs being 14.7% lower than the US median, Berlin is one of the least expensive cities to live in New Hampshire. The city is home to the scenic Glen Woods State Park, which features walking trails and picnic areas perfect for family outings. Berlin also hosts events like the annual Berlin Winter Sports Carnival, with fun activities and competitions for all ages.
» Berlin Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the cheapest places to rent in New Hampshire.
#2 Claremont
- Median house rent is $1,600 | Rental prices range between $995 and $2,200.
- Median home value of Claremont is $253,780.
- Cost of living in Claremont is 10.9% cheaper than the national average.
Claremont’s housing costs are 48.2% lower than the national average attracting families with its affordable housing and community-oriented atmosphere. The Claremont School District oversees several schools, including Stevens High School. The city also features attractions like Moody Park, offering trails and picnic areas. Key employers include Valley Regional Hospital and local manufacturing companies.
» Claremont Homes for Sale: Search affordable housing in NH.
#3 Keene
- Median house rent is $1,495 | Rental prices range between $700 and $4,200.
- Median home value of Keene is $326,974.
- Cost of living in Keene is 7.9% cheaper than the national average.
Keene offers healthcare costs 19.1% lower than the national average, which is ideal for retirees or senior people. It is located in the Monadnock Region and is home to Keene State College. Central Square, with its iconic gazebo, is surrounded by shops and restaurants, making it a popular gathering spot. The annual Keene Pumpkin Festival is a notable event, attracting visitors statewide.
» Keene Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the cheapest places to live in NH.
#4 Franklin
- Median house rent is $1,523 | Rental prices range between $875 and $2,500.
- Median home value of Franklin is $348,976.
- Cost of living in Franklin is 5.1% cheaper than the state average.
Franklin offers scenic views of Winnipesaukee Rivers and is known as the “Three Rivers City.” Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy picnics or fishing at the Winnipesaukee River Trail and nearby Webster Lake. This cultural renaissance has boosted the economy, attracting new businesses and jobs in arts, hospitality, and retail.
» Franklin Homes for Sale: Get yourself homes in Franklin, NH.
Use a New Hampshire Cost of Living Calculator to compare housing, utilities, and transportation costs. Get a detailed cost breakdown across affordable cities for free💲.
#5 Rochester
- Median house rent is $2,100 | Rental prices range between $700 and $3,200.
- Median home value of Rochester is $375,468.
- Cost of living in Rochester is 2.8% cheaper than the state average.
Rochester is known for its mix of urban and suburban living. It is home to the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases a collection of artwork. For those looking to shop and dine, The Ridge provides ample retail options and dining experiences to enjoy. Major employers such as Frisbie Memorial Hospital and manufacturing firms, contribute to the city’s economy.
» Rochester Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of inexpensive homes for sale in New Hampshire.
#6 Somersworth
- Median house rent is $2,000 | Rental prices range between $1,450 and $2,900.
- Median home value of Somersworth is $416,346.
- Cost of living in Somersworth is 2.8% cheaper than the state average.
You can comfortably live in Somersworth, with an average household income of $79,677. It is one of New Hampshire’s smallest cities by area and offers a close-knit community atmosphere. Somersworth Historical Museum is one of the spots for visitors to learn about the city. For nature lovers, Noble Pines Park offers recreational activities.
» Somersworth Homes for Sale: Find cheapest places to buy a house in New Hampshire.
#7 Concord
- Median house rent is $1,750 | Rental prices range between $1,095 and $4,500.
- Median home value of Concord is $414,224.
- Cost of living in Concord is 5.1% cheaper than the state average.
Transportation costs in Concord are 28.6% cheaper than the US median. The city is the capital of NH and is home to New Hampshire State House one of the cultural attractions. The Capitol Center for the Arts hosts various performances, enhancing the city’s cultural scene.Major employers include state government agencies and Concord Hospital.
» Concord Homes for Sale: Get yourself cheap homes for sale in NH.
#8 Laconia
- Median house rent is $1,728 | Rental prices range between $850 and $3,000.
- Median home value of Laconia is $409,901.
- Cost of living in Laconia is 3.4% cheaper than the state average.
Laconia offers housing 3.5% cheaper and healthcare costs 15.5% less than the US average, providing residents with significant savings. It also hosts the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week, attracting visitors nationwide. The city is renowned for its scenic views of Lake Winnipesaukee, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
» Laconia Homes for Sale: Discover housing in one of the cheap places to live in NH.
#9 Hanover
- Median house rent is $3,100 | Rental prices range between $1,650 and $6,000.
- Median home value of Hanover is $933,778.
- Cost of living in Hanover is 5.6% cheaper than the state average.
Hanover offers healthcare costs 16.7% lower than the national average. Residents enjoy transportation of 40% lower due to the city’s well-developed public transit system. The city is home to home of Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution, which makes it ideal for young adults. The Appalachian Trail passes through Hanover, offering outdoor activities for residents and visitors.
» Hanover Homes for Sale: Check out affordable housing in one of the cheapest cities in New Hampshire.
#10 Dover
- Median house rent is $2,140 | Rental prices range between $1,500 and $4,495.
- Median home value of Hanover is $506,823.
- Cost of living in Hanover is 2.8% cheaper than the state average.
Healthcare costs in Dover are 16.9% lower than the national average. Dover also offers businesses and creates job opportunities in the arts, hospitality, and retail sectors for professionals. Key employers are Measured Progress and Heine Optotechnik. Garrison Hill Park and Tower attracts visitors to see its scenic views.
» Dover Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the affordable cities in New Hampshire.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in New Hampshire?
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 are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in New Hampshire.
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Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire
To rank the top cities in New Hampshire, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive 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 expensive to live?
Yes, it is. The median home value is $477,813. 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.
Which New Hampshire city has the lowest cost of living?
Berlin has the lowest cost of living, which is 21.4% and 25.7% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
