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Portsmouth, NH Utility & Living Guide
Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. It had a population of 21,956 at the 2020 census. A historic seaport and popular summer tourist destination on the Piscataqua River bordering the state of Maine, Portsmouth was formerly the home of the Pease Air Force Base, sin
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
$80/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1400/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1800/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2400/mo |
| Median Home Price | $430,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.8% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Portsmouth is highly competitive, with a mix of historic homes, condos, and new developments. The city’s proximity to Boston and its cultural attractions make it a desirable place to live. However, this demand has driven up housing prices in recent years.
Cost of Living
118
+18% above national average
105
94
102
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate | 1.8% |
| <p>State 0% + No county tax + No city tax</p> | |
New Hampshire has no state income tax, but it does tax dividends and interest income.
Family & Relocation
60
7.5/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
Portsmouth has a walkable downtown area and a public transportation system that includes buses, but it can be challenging to navigate with a stroller due to historic district sidewalks and limited elevator access.
- Strawbery Banke Museum
- Portsmouth Children's Museum
- Water Country
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Portsmouth based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Portsmouth has regulations regarding historic district preservation, zoning, and parking.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
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📊 Portsmouth — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Portsmouth fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas costs in the winter due to heating. Residents can expect to pay around 20-30% more for utilities during the peak summer and winter months.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The property tax millage rate in Portsmouth is around 24-26 mills, with no local surtaxes.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
7/10, with wide sidewalks and accessible parks, but limited elevator access in some historic buildings and challenging navigation in the downtown area
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