Keene, NH Utility & Living Guide

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Keene, NH Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$380/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Keene
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Unitil
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

Unitil
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Keene Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$380/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Keene is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also available, but can be competitive. The city has a range of neighborhoods, from downtown to suburban areas.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+18% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.85%
<p>State 0% + No County tax + No City tax, but subject to State rooms and meals tax</p>

New Hampshire has no state income tax, but taxes dividends and interest income

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of liberal and conservative views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in education, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, and environmental sustainability
🚌 Transit for Families

Keene has a relatively walkable downtown area, but public transit options are limited, with some bus routes and a growing bike-share program

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Cheshire Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Keene Public Library
  • 🎯
    Stonewall Farm

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Court Street and Winchester Street, offer a range of housing options and easy access to amenities. The suburban areas, such as West Keene and Marlboro Street, offer more spacious homes and yards.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Keene based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Keene has regulations regarding zoning, parking, and noise ordinances, as well as a strong focus on historic preservation

Financial Tools

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📊 Keene — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Keene fluctuate significantly by season, with higher costs in the winter due to heating and lower costs in the summer. However, the city's relatively mild climate means that air conditioning costs are lower than in many other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The property tax millage rate in Keene is around 24-26 mills, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, due to the city's relatively walkable downtown area and some bike-friendly infrastructure, but limited public transit options and some sidewalks in need of repair

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