New Hampshire
Northeast · Capital: Concord · Live free or die — no income tax, no sales tax, all New England.
Population
1.4M
Median Home
$445K
Median Rent
$1,650/mo
Avg Salary
$68,000
Income Tax
None
Cost of Living
Why people move to New Hampshire
New Hampshire embodies its Live Free or Die motto with neither a state income tax nor a sales tax, drawing residents who value low taxes and independence. It regularly ranks among the safest, healthiest, and most prosperous states, with easy access to Boston and stunning White Mountain scenery.
The revenue gap shows up in some of the nation's highest property taxes, and winters are cold and snowy. But strong schools, low crime, and a quality of life anchored by lakes, mountains, and a short coastline make it a perennial favorite for families.
Region
Northeast
Capital
Concord
Homeownership
72%
Unemployment
2.7%
Top cities
Manchester
Population 115K
The state's largest city and economic center.
Nashua
Population 91K
Tech-oriented city near the Massachusetts line.
Concord
Population 44K
Compact state capital with a walkable Main Street.
Dover
Population 33K
Historic Seacoast city with a lively downtown.
Portsmouth
Population 22K
Charming colonial port with acclaimed dining.
Keene
Population 23K
Southwestern college town in the Monadnock region.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). New Hampshire's overall cost index is 115 — a high cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$445K
Median Rent
$1,650/mo
Property Tax
1.86%
Homeowners
72%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | High cost | $2,075/mo |
| Nashua | High cost | $2,075/mo |
| Concord | Moderate cost | $1,650/mo |
| Dover | High cost | $2,075/mo |
| Portsmouth | Very High cost | $2,650/mo |
About 72% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 1.86% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in New Hampshire
Explore New Hampshire vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- BAE Systems
- Dartmouth Health
- Fidelity Investments
- Elliot Health System
Unemployment
2.7%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
New Hampshire public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Manchester area schools, Nashua area schools, Concord area schools.
Universities & colleges
- Dartmouth College
- University of New Hampshire
- Southern New Hampshire University
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
- Elliot Hospital
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Manchester. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
40/100
Transit
Car-dependent statewide, with commuter bus service toward Boston.
I-95 and I-90 connect the region's dense corridor of cities. Average one-way commute is about 23 minutes; walkability scores near 40/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Manchester
Boston-area alternative gateway
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid continental with warm summers, cold snowy winters, and famous fall foliage.
Taxes
State income tax
None
State sales tax
0%
Property tax
1.86%
No state income tax. Statewide sales tax is 0% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 1.86% of home value. No state income tax makes this an attractive base for high earners and retirees.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
60 days to register, 60 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$100
Corp income tax
Favorable
Startup climate
Growing
Best for founders
Selective
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $100. Startup resources include the Concord Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at Dartmouth College.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Manchester and Nashua. Rates track the state's high cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Laconia Motorcycle Week
One of the oldest and largest motorcycle rallies in the nation.
Keene Pumpkin Festival
A fall tradition once holding the world record for lit jack-o'-lanterns.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
Predominantly Catholic and mainline Protestant, with one of the highest secular shares in the country.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Manchester and Nashua are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Growing immigrant communities in Manchester and Nashua, including Bhutanese and Congolese populations.
The honest take on New Hampshire
Pros
- No state income or sales tax
- Very safe with top quality of life
- Close to Boston with mountain access
Cons
- High property taxes
- Cold, snowy winters
- Limited public transit
Create my move plan for New Hampshire
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