Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,688 in California versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, New Hampshire runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than California, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $83,969 in California and $83,701 in New Hampshire. California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% state sales tax; New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7.25%
None
+7.3 pp in California
Income Tax (top rate)
13.30%
None
+13.3 pp in California
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,688
$1,150
+32% in California
Median Home Value
$771,700
$336,300
+56% in California
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$83,969
$83,701
+0% in California
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
64.4°F
49.2°F
+15.2°F in California
California vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in California or New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,150 runs about 32% below California's $1,688, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in California 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 $68,000 a year in California versus $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, California or New Hampshire?
- California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% state sales tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 9/3 cities we track in California/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.