New Hampshire Living Report — October 09, 2026

With a population of just over 1.38 million and a median age of 43.1, New Hampshire often quietly tops lists of best places to live in the United States. For those considering a move, the state presents a distinct trade-off: a relatively high cost of living paired with very high wages, low unemployment, and a quality of life rooted in natural beauty and civic stability. But the numbers tell a nuanced story that potential newcomers should weigh carefully.

The housing market is the first major hurdle. The median home value stands at $337,100, while the median one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,336 per month. Those figures are above the national medians, reflecting a supply-constrained market. However, the state’s median household income is $90,845—roughly 30% higher than the U.S. average—which offsets some of the sticker shock. A straightforward affordability analysis reveals that the typical one-bedroom rent consumes just 17.6% of the median household’s monthly income (about $7,570), well below the 30% threshold considered “cost-burdened.” For dual-income families or professionals, housing is manageable; for individuals working entry-level jobs, it is tight. The poverty rate is a low 7.1%, reinforcing that New Hampshire’s economy generally lifts residents above the poverty line.

The job market is the state’s strongest selling point. With an unemployment rate of just 2.8% as of August 2026, employers across sectors from healthcare and advanced manufacturing to technology and education are competing for

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Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 119 tracked cities in New Hampshire.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated October 09, 2026.

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