Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,978 in Massachusetts versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, New Hampshire runs roughly 42% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $94,755 in Massachusetts and $77,415 in New Hampshire — about 18% higher in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% 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)
Massachusetts vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,150 runs about 42% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Massachusetts 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 $79,000 a year in Massachusetts versus $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
- Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% 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 Massachusetts/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.