Want New Hampshire’s beach lifestyle without New Castle’s high prices? Don’t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Granite State if you know where to look.
Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Keene or a starter home in Berlin, New Hampshire’s paper industry. If you’re retiring, look at homes for sale in Claremont to enjoy a low-cost coastal lifestyle, with median home prices under $245,000.
After assessing hundreds of cities, we’ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in New Hampshire to help you find a home that fits your budget.
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Key Takeaways
- Berlin is the most affordable city: Berlin’s cost of living is 17% lower than the state average. With a median price of $260,000, it is the cheapest place to live in New Hampshire.
- Dover is the best city for young adults: Being one of the fastest growing economies in New Hampshire, Dover is a prime spot to build a career.
- For families, Berlin is a great choice: With schools like Berlin Elementary and Berlin Middle High School, good neighborhoods and plenty of parks, Berlin is perfect for raising children.
- Retirees should consider Woodstock: Retirees can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with quiet neighborhoods and access to golf courses.
- Don’t forget New Hampshire’s “cold-weather premium”: During peak winter months, heating bills can reach $250–$400 per month.
Most Affordable Places to Live in New Hampshire
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Affordability Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Berlin | $260,000 | $1,250 | 17% ⬇️ | 8.2 |
| 2. Claremont | $245,000 | $1,549 | 12% ⬇️ | 7.7 |
| 3. Franklin | $360,000 | $1,513 | 6% ⬇️ | 6.7 |
| 4. Keene | $350,000 | $1,500 | 3% ⬇️ | 6.7 |
| 5. Sommersworth | $410,000 | $1,753 | 6% ⬇️ | 5.9 |
| 6. Conway | $499,000 | $1,500 | 13% ⬇️ | 5.8 |
| 7. Concord | $430,000 | $1,676 | 3% ⬆️ | 5.6 |
| 8. Laconia | $397,250 | $2,011 | 6% ⬇️ | 5.6 |
| 9. Rochester | $401,000 | $2,007 | 0% ⬇️ | 5.4 |
| 10. Dover | $556,829 | $1,819 | 4% ⬆️ | 4.4 |
How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in New Hampshire
To identify the cheap places to live in New Hampshire, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.
Data Sources:
- Median Home Prices: We used Houzeo’s New Hampshire Housing Market report and double-checked the numbers with the Initiative for Housing Policy and Practice — Saint Anselm College
- Median Rent: We got the rent data from C2ER, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it’s accurate.
- Overall Cost of Living: We covered 6 big spending categories— housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods— from C2ER and Houzeo’s Cost of Living in New Hampshire Calculator. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.
We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city’s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.
All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.
Affordability Scoring:
We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:
- Median Home Price (40%)
- Median Rent (35%)
- Cost of Living (25%)
This way, we can clearly show which New Hampshire cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our score breakdown to see how each city was ranked.
Image credits: All blog images are sourced from Freepik.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire
Berlin
Located in the heart of the White Mountains along the Androscoggin River, Berlin is the cheapest place to live in New Hampshire. For those exploring homes for sale in Berlin, the combination of mountain lifestyle, French-Canadian heritage, and budget-friendly housing creates an appealing option.
- City Center/ Cascade: This historic urban core features a mix of mill-era architecture and modern amenities. Home to the Berlin Fish Hatchery, close to Notre Dame Arena for hockey games, and walkable access to Berlin Public Library.
- Berlin East: A primarily residential area near Androscoggin Valley Hospital and Brown School. Families appreciate proximity to the Berlin Recreation Department’s programs at Cates Hill School
- Berlin Northeast: This neighborhood borders the White Mountain National Forest and provides direct access to Success Pond Road’s ATV trail network. It’s near Green’s Grant Elementary School and offers larger lots with mountain views
- Job Market: Berlin’s economy has diversified since the 2006 pulp mill closure. Major employers are Federal Correctional Institution, Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, and White Mountains Community College.
- Recreation: Jericho Mountain State Park dominates outdoor life with 80 miles of OHRV trails for ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles. The Androscoggin River offers excellent fishing and kayaking, while Service Credit Union Heritage Park downtown hosts community events.
- Limited Job Diversity: High unemployment rate at 2.8% with economy heavily reliant on corrections and healthcare sectors.
- Remote Location: Over 100 miles from Manchester and Concord, limiting access to major medical facilities, shopping, and cultural amenities.
- Language Barrier: 65% of residents speak New England French, which can create communication challenges for newcomers.
Claremont
Positioned along the Sugar River he city balances small-town charm with urban amenities. Those considering homes for sale in Claremont benefit from proximity to the Connecticut River Valley’s natural beauty, growing arts scene, and strategic location between Hanover and Keene.
- South End: This family-oriented neighborhood surrounds Stevens High School. It’s close to Sugar River Mills senior housing and Monadnock Regional High School sports facilities. Residents enjoy walkability to Arrowhead Recreation Area’s hiking trails.
- West Side: Adjacent to Valley Regional Hospital and Disnard Elementary School, this area attracts medical professionals and young families. It has homes near Arrowhead Park’s playgrounds and tennis courts, with easy access to Route 12A.
- West Claremont: Families value proximity to Bluff Elementary School and the Monadnock Humane Society. While outdoor enthusiasts appreciate direct access to the Green Mountain Trail Network and Cornish Town Forest for hiking and mountain biking.
- Job Market: Valley Regional Hospital anchors Claremont’s healthcare sector. New Hampshire Ball Bearings and Sturm Foods provide manufacturing jobs.
- Recreation: The Sugar River Rail Trail spans 9.8 miles through downtown, popular for cycling and winter snowmobiling. Ashley Ferry Boat Launch provides Connecticut River access for kayaking and fishing. Downtown’s Opera House hosts live performances and community theater.
- Limited Public Transportation: No regular bus service makes car ownership essential for employment and services.
- Drug Problem: Notable substance abuse issues with higher-than-average overdose rates strain community resources.
- Dated Housing Stock: Many homes require significant updates, with 1940s-1960s construction needing roof, electrical, and HVAC work.
Franklin
Known as the “Three Rivers City” the downtown riverfront with new shops and restaurants, while 612-acre Webster Lake provides beach access and water recreation minutes from home. For buyers exploring homes for sale in Franklin, the location offers commuter convenience with Lakes Region lifestyle at budget-friendly prices.
- Webster Lake Area: This waterfront community surrounds Franklin’s 612-acre recreational lake with two public beaches (Griffin Beach and Legace Beach). It has Webster Lake Wildlife Management Area trails nearby too.
- Franklin Falls Historic District: It is the revitalized downtown core centered on Central Street. It features Franklin Opera House for live theater, and new breweries including Kettlehead and Vulgar Brewing Company. Families appreciate walkability to Bessie Rowell Elementary School and Franklin Public Library’s programs.
- Tilton-Northfield CDP: Families choose this area for newer construction near Franklin Middle School and access to the Winnipesaukee River Trail. The New Hampshire National Guard facility provides employment, while proximity to Exit 20 off I-93 enables easy commuting.
- Job Market: Franklin Regional Hospital employs 300+ in medical services. The New Hampshire National Guard base provides military and civilian positions. The Franklin School District staffs 250+ across four schools.
- Recreation: Mill City Park’s new whitewater rafting course on the Winnipesaukee River offers Class II-III rapids and hosts regional competitions. Franklin Falls Recreational Trails network provides mountain biking and walking paths.
- Small City Limitations: Population under 9,000 means fewer restaurants, entertainment venues, and specialty shopping options.
- Property Maintenance: Older housing stock from early 1900s requires ongoing investment in heating systems and weatherization.
- Flood Risk: Three-river junction creates high flood potential, requiring expensive flood insurance for many properties.
Keene
Keene, one of the cheapest places to live in New Hampshire, is the Monadnock Region’s cultural and economic hub. Home to Keene State College (4,000 students) and Antioch University, the city blends Main Street charm with outdoor access to Mount Monadnock.
- Downtown Keene: The historic city center radiates from Central Square’s gazebo. It features the Colonial Theatre (1924), Keene Public Library, and indie shops along Main Street. Keene State College campus borders the southern edge.
- Southeast Keene: This family neighborhood surrounds Symonds Elementary School. Robin Hood Park offers swimming, playgrounds, and the annual Keene Pumpkin Festival’s alternative venue.
- West Keene: This area is near Fuller Elementary School. Residents enjoy Beaver Brook falls trails and the Cheshire Rail Trail’s 42-mile recreational path.
- Job Market: Cheshire Medical Center employs 1,400+ in healthcare services. The distribution giant C&S Wholesale Grocers operates a major facility with 800+ workers.
- Recreation: Mount Monadnock draws 125,000 hikers annually to its 3,615-foot bald summit with 360-degree views from five trail networks. The Greater Goose Pond Forest spans 1,000+ acres. Downtown Colonial Theatre hosts professional performances and regional acts.
- Student Population Impact: 4,000+ Keene State students create rental market competition and seasonal noise concerns.
- Property Tax Burden: Cheshire County rate ranks among NH’s highest, averaging 3.10% of assessed value annually.
- Limited Career Advancement: Small city labor market constrains professional growth without commuting to Boston or Manchester.
Sommersworth
The city’s Rollinsford mill heritage along the Salmon Falls River has evolved into a diverse economy. Those exploring homes for sale in Somersworth benefit from improving downtown revitalization efforts and proximity to Great East Lake.
- Berwick/Foundry: This historic mill district borders Berwick, Maine across the Salmon Falls River. residents appreciate walkability to Blackwater Coffee Company and Mad Bella’s Food & Spirits, plus direct access to the Salmon Falls River Trail.
- Blackwater/Central Park: It is the residential heart surrounding Central Park and Somersworth High School. Blackwater Park offers playgrounds, tennis courts, and Little League fields.
- East Somersworth: Residents value proximity to Mast Way Elementary School and easy access to Route 16. Great East Lake provides beach access and boating, while Rollinsford’s Salmon Falls River offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing.
- Job Market: General Electric, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, and Somersworth School District are the major employers. Recent commercial development along Route 108 has added retail and restaurant jobs.
- Recreation: Salmon Falls River offers fishing for bass, pickerel, and trout. Great East Lake provides swimming at public beach access, kayaking, and summer sailing. Central Park hosts the annual International Children’s Festival each June, celebrating cultural diversity
- Industrial Character: Active mills and warehousing create truck traffic and industrial aesthetics in some neighborhoods.
- Commuter Dependence: Limited local high-wage employment makes most residents dependent on Portsmouth or Boston commutes.
- Limited Downtown: Small city center lacks Portsmouth’s restaurants, nightlife, and cultural venues, requiring travel for entertainment.
Conway
This gateway community along the Saco River serves as the commercial center for the White Mountains region. Buyers considering homes for sale in Conway gain proximity to skiing at Cranmore Mountain and Attitash while accessing an affordable housing stock.
- Center Conway: The historic village center features he Conway Public Library along Route 16, with Saco River frontage offering swimming holes and fishing access. White Mountain School and Pine Tree Elementary School serve families, while residents appreciate walkability to Conway Village Congregational Church.
- Conway Village/South Conway: This residential area surrounds Memorial Hospital and John Fuller Elementary School. Route 16’s commercial corridor provides shopping at Hannaford and local services, while the Saco River’s Diana’s Baths area attracts swimmers to natural granite pools.
- East Conway: A rural neighborhood extending toward Eaton with mountain views and seasonal camps around Conway Lake. The area attracts buyers seeking privacy and direct access to White Mountain National Forest trails, including the Moat Mountain Range.
- Job Market: Memorial Hospital and Conway School District are major employers in Conway. Seasonal employment surges at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Year-round positions exist at Eastern Slope Inn and North Country Smokehouse.
- Recreation: Cathedral and White Horse Ledges offer world-class rock climbing with 200+ routes. Diana’s Baths features cascading waterfalls and granite pools for swimming. The Saco River provides kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.
- Tourist Traffic: Route 16 congestion during ski season and fall foliage creates gridlock and extended commute times.
- Seasonal Economy: Employment and wages fluctuate dramatically between summer/winter peaks and spring/fall shoulder seasons.
- Harsh Winters: Mountain location brings extreme cold, heavy snowfall (100+ inches), and challenging driving conditions.
Concord
Concord is one of the cheapest places to live in NH. It balances government employment stability with accessible housing prices below the state’s coastal markets. The city offers urban amenities, including SNHU Arena events and Capitol Center for the Arts performances.
- Concord Heights: This established neighborhood surrounds Concord High School and Kimball School. Residents enjoy proximity to White Park’s playground and splash pad, plus Rollins Park’s hiking trails and seasonal events.
- West Concord: Adjacent to Interstate 93’s Exit 16, this neighborhood is near Rundlett Middle School. Residents appreciate quick highway access for Manchester commutes.
- Penacook: The Penacook Village Association preserves the Riverwalk Trail and annual Old Home Day festival. Residents value proximity to Hannah Dustin Memorial Park and the Northern Rail Trail for hiking.
- Job Market: State government employs 6,000+ in the capitol complex, legislative offices, and administrative departments. Insurance companies including Concord Group and Northeast Delta Dental are some major employers too.
- Recreation: White Park features New Hampshire’s oldest public park (1886) with gardens, playground, and summer concert bandshell hosting Capital Arts Fest each June. Capitol Center for the Arts presents professional theater, concerts, and dance performances year-round.
- Political Polarization: Capitol presence creates heightened political activity and protests, particularly during legislative sessions.
- Property Tax Pressure: Concord’s rate averages 2.2% of assessed value, among the highest in Merrimack County.
- Limited Nightlife: State capital formality means fewer bars, clubs, and late-night dining than Manchester or Portsmouth.
Laconia
The city’s position on Paugus Bay and proximity to Weirs Beach creates four-season recreation opportunities. Buyers searching homes for sale in Laconia benefit from central Lakes Region location with ski resorts within 30 minutes.
- Lakeport: This western neighborhood features dense residential streets near Lakeport Landing’s public beach. Pleasant Street Elementary School serves families, while residents enjoy walkability to Lakeport Square’s shops and Pitman’s Freight Room concert venue.
- Weirs Beach: The iconic boardwalk district along Lake Winnipesaukee features arcades, Surf Coaster amusement rides, and public beach. Endicott Rock Park preserves historical markers from 1652 colonial survey.
- Interlaken Park/Pendleton Beach: This quieter lakeside neighborhood on Winnipesaukee’s Paugus Bay offers mix of seasonal camps and year-round homes. Residents value proximity to Elm Street Elementary School.
- Job Market: Watts Water Technologies operates manufacturing with 300+ employees. Lakes Region General Hospital and Laconia School District are also major employers. Retail employment exists at Belknap Mall and seasonal surge occurs during Motorcycle Week each June.
- Recreation: M/S Mount Washington offers cruise ship tours, and boardwalk entertainment. Opechee Park provides beach swimming, kayak launch, and WOW Trail access. Annual Motorcycle Week transforms the city each June with vendors, concerts, and 250,000+ visitors.
- Seasonal Employment: Tourism-dependent economy creates job instability and income volatility off-season.
- Tourist Congestion: Summer weekends bring heavy Route 3 and 106 traffic, with limited parking at beaches and attractions.
- Aging Housing: Many lakeside properties are converted seasonal cottages requiring insulation, foundation, and system upgrades.
Rochester
Rochester combines Seacoast access with manufacturing heritage. Buyers seeking homes for sale in Rochester appreciate the revitalized downtown along the Cochecho River, the Rochester Opera House, and growing tech sector presence.
- East Rochester: This family-oriented area surrounds Gonic Lake and borders Farmington. It is near McClelland Elementary School and Chamberlain Street Elementary. Rochester Country Club’s golf course and Hanson Pines Park’s swimming beach serve residents.
- Gonic/ Pickering: The historic mill village along Gonic Road maintains distinct identity with Gonic United Methodist Church. Gonic Elementary School serves K-5 students, while residents enjoy access to Horn Pond for fishing and ice skating.
- Downtown Rochester: This central business district along South Main Street features converted mill loft apartments, Rochester Opera House’s performance venue, and a growing restaurant scene. Spaulding High School’s downtown campus and Rochester Public Library anchor the area.
- Job Market: Frisbie Memorial Hospital employs 1,000+ in healthcare services across emergency, surgical, and primary care. Albany International, Liberty Mutual, and Rochester School District are some of the major employers too. Tech sector growth includes software firms relocating from Portsmouth.
- Recreation: Rochester Community Center offers indoor pool, fitness center, and year-round recreation programs. Rochester Fairgrounds hosts the 150-year-old Rochester Fair each September with agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and demolition derby. Rochester Opera House presents concerts, comedy, and theater productions
- Industrial Legacy: Active manufacturing creates truck traffic, noise, and aesthetic concerns in mill-adjacent neighborhoods.
- Limited Public Transit: COAST bus service is minimal, making car ownership essential for employment access.
- Sprawling Layout: City’s geographic size creates long drives between neighborhoods and central services.
Dover
Dover anchors the Tri-Cities region as Strafford County’s largest community. The city’s location provides Portsmouth access (10 miles) without resort-town pricing, making homes for sale in Dover attractive for Boston commuters.
- City Center: The historic downtown core surrounds Central Avenue and Washington Street. Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and Woodman Museum anchor cultural offerings, while The Stone Church music venue and Garrison City Beerworks draw evening crowds.
- Dover West: This primarily residential area stretches toward Madbury, featuring neighborhoods near Garrison Elementary School and Dover Middle School. ellamy Park’s athletic fields host youth sports leagues, while residents enjoy access to Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area’s trails.
- Cochecho: It’s an industrial waterfront neighborhood along the Cochecho River. Woodman Museum preserves Dover’s 400-year history, while McConnell Center arena hosts high school hockey and community skating.
- Job Market: Wentworth-Douglass Hospital employs 2,000+ in medical services including Level 3 trauma center. Liberty Mutual Insurance, Lonza Biologics, and Dover School District are some other major employers. Retail positions cluster at Dover Commons shopping center and downtown restaurant scene.
- Recreation: The Cochecho Riverwalk Trail spans 3 miles of paved riverfront path connecting downtown to Henry Law Park and Rotary Arts Pavilion. Children’s Museum of New Hampshire features three floors of hands-on exhibits and outdoor playground. Garrison Hill Tower Trail climbs to 335-foot summit with Oyster River valley views.
- High Property Taxes: Dover’s 2.5% average rate ranks among NH’s highest, straining household budgets significantly.
- Traffic Congestion: Central Avenue and Spaulding Turnpike choke points create rush hour delays exceeding 30 minutes.
- River Flood Risk: Cochecho River periodically overflows, requiring flood insurance and creating property damage potential.
Pro Tip If you’re looking for something along New Hampshire’s Seacoast, Portsmouth could be a great option. From Islington Street area to Central New Castle, you’ll find a wide range of affordable homes for sale in Portsmouth suitable for families and first-time buyers.
Merrimack (safety score of 97) and Derry (safety score of 83) are the cheapest and safest cities in New Hampshire. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in New Hampshire for Young Adults
Affordable living isn’t about the cheapest place to live in NH; it’s about good jobs, a fun lifestyle, and room to build your future. These cities provide all of that without the big city price tag.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Young Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dover | Located 90 minutes from Boston via the Downeaster train, the city is anchored by major employers like Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Liberty Mutual, and local tech firms. Downtown offers walkable restaurants, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, craft breweries, and year-round community events. |
| 2. | Claremont | The Sugar River runs through downtown, with Moody Park and the Sugar River Rail Trail set up for weekend adventures. Major employers include Valley Regional Hospital and Red River Computer Company, while the Claremont Opera House anchors the local arts scene. |
| 3. | Rochester | The Rochester Opera House hosts regular concerts and shows, so there’s always something to do. Portsmouth sits just 30 minutes away for a bigger-city fix. Unemployment stays low, with strong hiring in healthcare and retail. |
Top 3 Best Affordable Places to Live in New Hampshire for Families
New Hampshire is a favorite among families for its low tax burden, high-quality schools, and safe communities. These affordable towns in New Hampshire offer reasonable living costs and a strong quality of life for growing families.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Families |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Berlin | It is one of the cheapest places to live in NH. Schools include Berlin Elementary, Berlin Middle High School, and Head Start programs for ages 3–5. Students qualify for automatic college scholarships. The Androscoggin River runs through town with park-lined trails, and kids play outside without worrying about traffic. |
| 2. | Concord | Families looking at homes for sale in Concord get built-in access to year-round attractions. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center draws kids with hands-on space exhibits and planetarium shows. Everett Arena offers skating, lessons, and hockey from September to March. |
| 3. | Keene | Families exploring homes for sale in Keene benefit from a true college-town atmosphere, anchored by Keene State College. The Cheshire Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits, while the YMCA, Parks & Rec leagues, ice skating, and gymnastics keep kids active year-round. Mount Monadnock is nearby for family hikes. |
3 Most Affordable Places to Retire in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a retiree’s haven. In these cities, you can find the most affordable housing in New Hampshire, accessible healthcare, and safe communities. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and picnics to enjoy a comfortable, active lifestyle.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Woodstock | Buyers browsing homes for sale in Woodstock enjoy a setting deep in the White Mountains, with direct access to hiking trails, Cascade Park along the river, and the White Mountain National Forest. Fadden’s General Store anchors the community, giving the town its small-town heartbeat. |
| 2. | Franklin | With 42.6% of residents aged 65+, Franklin offers a strong peer network and a town built for retirees. Crime runs well below the national average, and unemployment stays low. The Franklin Falls Dam area provides scenic walking paths, and the central location puts Laconia’s lakes 20 minutes away and Concord just 30 minutes out. |
| 3. | Newport | Newport Health Center, active since 1873, keeps local healthcare close. The Newport Opera House brings regular shows and performances, adding real culture to small-town life. Pollard Mill Falls offers scenic spots for walks and summer swims, another reason many retirees explore homes for sale in Newport. |
3 Hidden Costs to Consider in New Hampshire
New Hampshire may be affordable, but some costs catch buyers off guard. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and steep winter power bills are three expenses you’ll want to factor in upfront.
- Property Taxes: New Hampshire has some of the highest property taxes in the country, with effective rates commonly ranging from 1.8% to 2.5%. In cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord, homeowners often face higher-than-average annual tax bills, especially in well-rated school districts.
- Homeowners Insurance: Insurance costs in New Hampshire is costly due to snow damage, ice dams, and winter storms. The average premium typically falls between $1,200 and $1,600 per year, with higher rates for older homes and properties in flood-prone areas.
- Winter Electricity Bills: New Hampshire’s long, cold winters bring a “cold-weather premium.” During peak winter months, heating bills can reach $250–$400 per month, especially in larger or poorly insulated homes.
Quick Tip New Hampshire offers homestead right that protects up to $400,000 of equity in your primary residence (higher for jointly owned homes) from certain creditor claims. This protection applies only to owner-occupied primary homes and does not reduce property taxes.
Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in New Hampshire to Live In
Housing costs vary dramatically across New Hampshire. Berlin residents save $5,395 monthly compared to New Castle and $4,611 compared to Portsmouth. The following table breaks down these savings by median home price, monthly mortgage, property tax, insurance, and total monthly costs.
| City | Median Home Price | Avg. Monthly Mortgage | Insurance/Taxes | Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person | Monthly Savings vs. New Castle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | $260,000 | $1,266 | $252 | $1,518 | $5,395 |
| Portsmouth | $1,087,500 | $5,147 | $982 | $6,129 | $784 |
| New Castle | $1,310,000 | $6,200 | $713 | $6,913 | – |
Affordable Living Beyond New Hampshire
Not sure if the cheapest places in New Hampshire to live will fit your budget? Here are a few surrounding states that offer major tax benefits, a business friendly environment, and endless outdoor recreation, just like New Hampshire.
Tax Benefits
One state that provides the same no state income tax benefit as New Hampshire and is also known for being affordable and relatively cheap to live in is Tennessee. These are the cheapest places to live in Tennessee:
- Chattanooga: Median home price is, $353,000 rent under $1,460, and has a lively arts and music scene.
- Knoxville: Median home price is, $313,700 rent under $1,730, and has a university presence boosting local culture.
- Collegedale: Median home price is, $370,000 rent under $1,487, and one of the safer, moderately priced places to live in the region.
Top-Notch Education
Iowa regularly appears among states with a lower overall cost of living while also performing well in education quality. Here are the cheapest places to live in Iowa:
- Des Moines: Average home price is $200,00, median rent is $1,091, and is home to multiple highly rated public and private schools.
- Iowa City: Average home price is $287,500, median rent is $1,498, and is home to the University of Iowa, a top public research university.
- Ames: Average home price is $398,750, median rent is $1,378, and the ISU is nationally recognized for research, engineering, agriculture, and science programs.
Employment Opportunities
Oklahoma consistently ranks among the most affordable states to live in, and its larger cities have diversified job markets. These are 3 cheapest places to live in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma City: Homes sell for a median price of $258,825, rent near $1,039, and has a diversified economy with employers in aerospace, aviation, bioscience, energy, healthcare, logistics, and finance.
- Tulsa: Homes sell for a median price of $240,000, rent near $1,006, programs like Tulsa Remote illustrate efforts to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs.
- Bixby: Homes sell for a median price of $319,990, rent near $1,326, it benefits from proximity to Tulsa’s broader job market
Want to cast a wider net? Beyond Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Iowa, explore the cheapest places to live in the US where your dollar stretches even further.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in New Hampshire?
Berlin, Claremont, and Franklin are the most affordable cities to live in New Hampshire. These areas offer more than low prices; they also provide steady job markets, plenty of recreation, and a cost of living 17% lower than the state norm.
Moving to New Hampshire also offers valuable tax advantages, strong job growth, and diverse housing. Whether you’re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest place to live in New Hampshire?
The cheapest place to live in New Hampshire is Berlin. If offers affordable housing at a median sale price of $260,000
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire: Find out the other cheapest places to live in New Hampshire.
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.
Is it expensive to live in New Hampshire?
The average cost of living in New Hampshire is 10% higher than the national average. However, groceries are the same as the national average.
Where are the cheap places to retire in New Hampshire?
Woodstock, Franklin, Newport are among the cheap places to retire in New Hampshire on a budget. They offer affordable housing, small-town comfort, and easy access to medical care.
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What city in New Hampshire has the lowest cost of living?
