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 $77,415 in New Hampshire — about 8% higher in California. 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
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
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 9/1 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.