Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 16% cheaper on rent than New Hampshire, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $83,701 in New Hampshire — about 22% higher in New Hampshire. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax; New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
None
+4.3 pp in Michigan
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$1,150
+19% in New Hampshire
Median Home Value
$225,500
$336,300
+49% in New Hampshire
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$83,701
+28% in New Hampshire
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
49.2°F
+0.1°F in New Hampshire
Michigan vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or New Hampshire?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $964 runs about 16% 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 Michigan 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 $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or New Hampshire?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% 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 3/3 cities we track in Michigan/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.