Rochester, NH Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Rochester, NH Utility & Living Guide

Rochester is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 32,492 at the 2020 census, making it the 6th most populous city in New Hampshire. In addition to the downtown area, the city contains the villages of East Rochester, Gonic, and North Rochester. Rochester is hom

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Rochester
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Rochester
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Rochester
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Rochester?

Moving to Rochester? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Rochester Department of Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Rochester is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The city has seen some new development in recent years, but prices remain lower than in nearby cities like Portsmouth. Rentals are also available, but may be limited in certain 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 Rate1.8%
<p>State 0% + No county tax + Local 0%</p>

New Hampshire has no state income tax, but does tax 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 Republican and Democratic voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Rochester has a limited public transportation system, but the downtown area is relatively walkable and stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Rochester Public Library
  • 🎯
    Rochester Community Center
  • 🎯
    Gonic Trails

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Gonic and East Rochester, are popular with families due to their proximity to schools, parks, and community amenities. The city also has several newer developments with family-friendly homes and amenities

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Rochester — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Rochester can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating oil bills in the winter. However, the city's relatively mild climate means that these fluctuations are not as extreme as in other parts of the country

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The property tax millage rate in Rochester is approximately 24.5 mills, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Rochester has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but they can be uneven and limited in some areas. The city also has several parks and playgrounds, but they may not be easily accessible by public transportation

📰 Latest NH Stories
New Hampshire Living Report — July 27, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 27, 2026

New Hampshire has long cultivated a reputation as a quiet, independent-minded corner of New England, and the numbers...

Read more →
New Hampshire Living Report — July 26, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 26, 2026

New Hampshire has long held a certain mystique for those seeking a quieter, more self-reliant way of life,...

Read more →
New Hampshire Living Report — July 25, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 25, 2026

Located in northern New England, New Hampshire offers a distinct lifestyle that increasingly appeals to families, retirees, and...

Read more →
New Hampshire Living Report — July 24, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 24, 2026

New Hampshire often conjures images of covered bridges, maple syrup, and the rugged White Mountains, but the data...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.