Cost of Living in Bedford, NH

Population 23,580 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023

173
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Bedford sits 91% above the national median — $582,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $160,253 (115% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Bedford sits roughly 6 miles southwest of Manchester. Median home values run roughly 73% higher than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 191
Rent 146

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bedford

The median home value in Bedford is $582,000 — 91% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,913/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $160,253/year is 115% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Hampshire charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 59.8°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Bedford has a cost of living index of 173 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 73% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$582,000
91% above avg
Median Rent
$1,913/mo
46% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,184
1 BR
$1,192
2 BR
$1,564
3 BR
$1,917
4 BR
$2,405
Owner-occupied 83.4%
Renter-occupied 16.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,913
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,527/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.3 min
3% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
25.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.2%
Carpooled
5.7%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
2.4%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
25.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 0.0%
State rate 0.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 2.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$160,253
115% above avg
Per Capita Income
$71,137
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
72% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Labor Force Participation
51.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.0%
Graduate degree 26.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.4
Male median age 45.3
Female median age 43.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.8°F
Avg Low
40.4°F
Annual Precip
40.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343746597079848275625039
Low °F 171927384858646254423324
Precip" 2.442.733.453.333.384.043.303.353.723.883.483.29

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bedford, NH?

Bedford has a cost index of 173 (100 = national average). It is 73% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bedford, NH?

The median gross rent in Bedford is $1,913 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bedford?

The median home value in Bedford is $582,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Bedford?

The median household income in Bedford is $160,253 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bedford, NH?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bedford is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.

Is Bedford, NH affordable?

Bedford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 173 — about 73% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Bedford?

Bedford has average high temperatures of 59.8°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 40.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Bedford at a Glance

Population
23,580
Median Income
$160,253
Home Value
$582,000
Median Rent
$1,913/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Avg High Temp
59.8°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
View all cities in New Hampshire →
🗺️ County data for New Hampshire

Explore county-level cost of living data

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