Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,349 in North Carolina versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, New Hampshire runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than North Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,431 in North Carolina and $77,415 in New Hampshire — about 4% higher in North Carolina. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% 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)
North Carolina vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,150 runs about 15% below North Carolina's $1,349, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Carolina 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 $54,000 a year in North Carolina versus $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or New Hampshire?
- North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in North Carolina/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.