Cost of Living in Bow, NH

Population 8,295 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023

132
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Bow is a smaller New Hampshire community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $161,482 and housing costs ($444,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Bow sits roughly 11 miles northwest of Manchester. Median home values run roughly 32% higher than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 145
Rent 111

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

About the Cost of Living in Bow

The median home value in Bow is $443,700 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,465/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $161,482/year is 117% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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 58.3°F and lows of 36.1°F, with about 67.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bow has a cost of living index of 132 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$443,700
45% above avg
Median Rent
$1,465/mo
11% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,120
1 BR
$1,230
2 BR
$1,614
3 BR
$2,132
4 BR
$2,140
Owner-occupied 90.4%
Renter-occupied 9.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,465
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,079/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
27.1 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.2%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
1.2%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
20.3%

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
$161,482
117% above avg
Per Capita Income
$66,578
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
45% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
Labor Force Participation
53.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.2%
Graduate degree 24.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.6
Male median age 39.8
Female median age 41.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.3°F
Avg Low
36.1°F
Annual Precip
42"
Annual Snowfall
67.7"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323544586978838274614837
Low °F 131523334454595749382920
Precip" 2.802.753.283.433.473.773.623.633.634.433.443.70
Snow" 17.116.913.62.50.00.00.00.00.00.82.514.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bow, NH?

Bow has a cost index of 132 (100 = national average). It is 32% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bow, NH?

The median gross rent in Bow is $1,465 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bow?

The median home value in Bow is $443,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Bow?

The median household income in Bow is $161,482 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bow, NH?

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

Is Bow, NH affordable?

Bow is above average in cost of living, with an index of 132 — about 32% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Bow?

Bow has average high temperatures of 58.3°F and average lows of 36.1°F. Annual precipitation is 42". Average annual snowfall is 67.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Bow at a Glance

Population
8,295
Median Income
$161,482
Home Value
$443,700
Median Rent
$1,465/mo
Unemployment
2.7%
Avg High Temp
58.3°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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