Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
New Hampshire has a cost of living index of about 115 (U.S. average = 100), driven mainly by high housing costs.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 104.2 | 100 |
- •New Hampshire has neither a state sales tax nor a tax on wage income, offsetting some high living costs.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in New Hampshire run about 30% above the national average, the main driver of the state's overall cost of living.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 114.9 | 100 |
- •High property taxes add significantly to New Hampshire homeowners' monthly housing costs.
Utility Costs
Average monthly utility bills in New Hampshire are among the highest in the nation, driven by high electricity prices.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Northeast region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU010072610).
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 133.7 | 100 |
| Electricity Price (cents/kWh) | 24 | 16 |
- •New Hampshire electricity prices are more than 50% above the national average.
Food Costs
Food costs in New Hampshire are roughly 8% above the U.S. average, reflecting broader regional price levels in New England.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 98.6 | 100 |
- •Despite no sales tax, groceries in NH still cost more than in many Midwestern states.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in New Hampshire are about 10% above the national average, among the higher rates in New England.
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Cost Index | 110 | 100 |
- •New Hampshire has some of the highest hospital prices in New England despite relatively good health outcomes.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in New Hampshire are near the national average, though rural areas rely heavily on personal vehicles.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, New England region (PADD 1A), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1X_DPG).
| Indicator | New Hampshire | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.34 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •New Hampshire has no state gas tax on the scale of neighboring Massachusetts, keeping fuel slightly cheaper.