Moving to New Hampshire? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

New Hampshire is located in the northeastern United States and is known for its picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, full of outdoor activities. Founded in 1623, New Hampshire is renowned for its significant role in American history, being one of the original 13 colonies.

If you are considering moving to New Hampshire, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick New Hampshire Facts:

Population: 1.389 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $72,000 (2021)
Random Fact: New Hampshire is home to the oldest public library in the States, founded in 1717.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to New Hampshire

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$4,500 – $7,000
Texas	$3,800 – $6,000
Florida	$4,000 – $6,500
New York	$2,200 – $3,800
Pennsylvania	$2,500 – $4,200
Illinois	$3,500 – $5,500
Ohio	$3,000 – $4,800
Georgia	$3,600 – $5,800
North Carolina	$3,400 – $5,600
Michigan	$3,200 – $5,400

2. New Hampshire Housing Costs

The range of housing costs across New Hampshire varies greatly from location to location. In Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire, you can find both luxury condos and penthouses as well as residential houses with affordable prices.

Monthly Rental Prices in New Hampshire:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,530+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,400+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,300+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,900+

New Hampshire Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $1,900+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $1,600+

New Hampshire Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in New Hampshire compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 42.5% more expensive
New York is 59.9% more expensive
Los Angeles is 43.8% more expensive
Toronto is 18.9% more expensive
Sydney is 32.5% more expensive
Paris is 2.9% more expensive
Dubai is 19.6% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Spare Room and Kangaroom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Depending on the area you choose within New Hampshire, the price you pay will differ. For example, Portsmouth, a popular uptown destination known for its historic charm and waterfront views, tends to have higher rental and house purchase prices than something in a more suburban area with lower prices.

3. New Hampshire Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

New Hampshire is known for its delicious seafood offerings, particularly fresh lobster and clams, which are must-try delicacies for visitors and locals alike. Craft beer and microbreweries have also seen a surge in popularity, with a wide range of unique and flavorful brews available throughout the state.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $28.50
Takeout Coffee: $4.00
Bottle of Coke: $2.00
1L of Milk: $0.85
Loaf of Bread: $1.90
12 Eggs: $4.50
1kg Chicken: $10.60
1kg Beef: $12.75
1kg Apples: $5.35
1kg White Rice: $7.30

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 5.9% more expensive and groceries are 13.7% cheaper than New Hampshire.
New York restaurants are 9.9% more expensive and groceries are 32.1% more expensive than New Hampshire.
Los Angeles restaurants are 5.8% more expensive and groceries are 15.2% more expensive than New Hampshire.
Toronto restaurants are 21.1% more expensive and groceries are 1.6% more expensive than New Hampshire.
Sydney restaurants are 15.6% cheaper and groceries are 12.2% more expensive than New Hampshire.
Paris restaurants are 26.7% cheaper and groceries are 10.8% more expensive than New Hampshire.
Dubai restaurants are 28.9% cheaper and groceries are 37.4% cheaper than New Hampshire.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: In New Hampshire, farmers’ markets thrive as vibrant hubs for fresh produce, local goods, and community engagement. These markets offer a diverse selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, artisanal products, and homemade treats, providing an opportunity to support local farmers and artisans.
Find Cheap Eats: New Hampshire has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Only In Your State.

4. New Hampshire Alcohol Costs

New Hampshire, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.50
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.70
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $13.00

How To Drink For Less in New Hampshire:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Yelp.

5. New Hampshire Transportation Fares

Public transport in New Hampshire, particularly outside of major urban centres, is generally more limited compared to densely populated areas. While there are regional bus services connecting some towns and cities, the state’s transportation network primarily relies on private vehicles, making personal transportation the primary mode for most residents and visitors.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $46.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in New Hampshire

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in New Hampshire, US, ranges from approximately 5°C in winter to around 20°C in summer. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures hovering around -5°C, while July tends to be the hottest month, with average temperatures reaching 25°C. As for the wettest month, it varies, but generally, June is known for higher precipitation levels, with an average rainfall of around 3.5 inches.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $50.00
Summer Dress: $56.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $85.00
Business Shoes: $99.50
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $4.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $35.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in New Hampshire

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in New Hampshire. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to New Hampshire from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in New Hampshire:

Volkswagen Golf: $30,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.95

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in New Hampshire:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in New Hampshire

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

New Hampshire is known for not having a sales tax on most goods and services. This means no statewide sales tax is levied on purchases made within the state. However, it’s important to note that there are a few exceptions, such as meals and rentals, which are subject to limited meals and room tax.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in New Hampshire at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in New Hampshire you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from New Hampshire

If you do make the move to New Hampshire, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $580
New York: $115
Los Angeles: $210
Toronto: $150
Vancouver: $140
Dubai: $1,000
Sydney: $1,255
Melbourne: $1,200
Cape Town: $1,050
Hong Kong: $2,300

Other Tips on Moving to New Hampshire:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in New Hampshire but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to New Hampshire Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in New Hampshire.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: New Hampshire always has something going on. Have a look at Eventbrite.

12. Moving to New Hampshire with a Family

New Hampshire is considered a family-friendly location with a variety of amenities and activities suitable for all ages. The state offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a generally safe and welcoming environment for families. In general, New Hampshire has lower crime rates compared to national averages.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at The Birth Place.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: There are plenty of family-friendly areas in New Hampshire. Located in the Upper Valley region, Hanover is home to Dartmouth College and offers a picturesque small-town feel with excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. If you’re looking for something smaller, Hollis is a small town in southern New Hampshire known for its rural charm, strong school system, and community-centred events.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Many activities exist for families living in New Hampshire. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Visit New Hampshire.

13. Moving to New Hampshire for Work

While it is possible to move to New Hampshire without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. New Hampshire’s main industries include manufacturing, healthcare, education, tourism, and technology, with a strong emphasis on high-tech industries and research and development. As of 2021, New Hampshire had a relatively low unemployment rate of around 2.9%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to New Hampshire, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to New Hampshire from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in New Hampshire, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Melbourne is around ⅓ of the size of New Hampshire.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in New Hampshire that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to New Hampshire from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in New Hampshire. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: The province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada is a similar size to that of New Hampshire.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to New Hampshire from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in New Hampshire. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Wales is roughly the same size as New Hampshire.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in New Hampshire, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to New Hampshire you can start by comparing moving quotes here.