Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, Maine runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than New Hampshire, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $83,701 in New Hampshire — about 31% higher in New Hampshire. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
None
+5.5 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
None
+7.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,150
+29% in New Hampshire
Median Home Value
$214,200
$336,300
+57% in New Hampshire
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$83,701
+44% in New Hampshire
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
49.2°F
+3.4°F in New Hampshire
Maine vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or New Hampshire?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 23% 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 Maine 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 Maine versus $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or New Hampshire?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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 Maine/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.