Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $900 in Alabama versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 22% cheaper on rent than New Hampshire, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,687 in Alabama and $83,701 in New Hampshire — about 33% higher in New Hampshire. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
None
+4.0 pp in Alabama
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
None
+5.0 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$900
$1,150
+28% in New Hampshire
Median Home Value
$148,500
$336,300
+126% in New Hampshire
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,687
$83,701
+50% in New Hampshire
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
49.2°F
+14.1°F in Alabama
Alabama vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or New Hampshire?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $900 runs about 22% below New Hampshire's $1,150, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in New Hampshire?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Alabama versus $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or New Hampshire?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Alabama/New Hampshire — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.