Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,885 in District of Columbia versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, New Hampshire runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than District of Columbia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $106,287 in District of Columbia and $77,415 in New Hampshire — about 27% higher in District of Columbia. District of Columbia has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6% 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)
District of Columbia vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in District of Columbia or New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,150 runs about 39% below District of Columbia's $1,885, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in District of Columbia 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 $75,000 a year in District of Columbia versus $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, District of Columbia or New Hampshire?
- District of Columbia has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6% state sales tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in District of Columbia/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.