Rochester, NH Utility & Living Guide

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Rochester, NH Utility & Living Guide

Living in Rochester, NH offers a charming small-town experience with easy access to outdoor recreation and a growing downtown area

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
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Rochester
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💰 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.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Rochester has regulations in place for zoning, building permits, and environmental protection

Rochester is seeing growth in its downtown area, with new businesses and restaurants opening in recent years. The city is also investing in infrastructure improvements, including road repairs and upgrades to its water and sewer systems

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 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

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