Cost of Living in Brookline, NH

Population 5,697 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023

162
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Brookline a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $480,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Brookline sits roughly 20 miles west of Lowell. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Lowell's $395,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 157
Rent 170

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

About the Cost of Living in Brookline

The median home value in Brookline is $480,100 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,235/month, 70% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $165,942/year is 123% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.6%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 38.3°F. Overall, Brookline has a cost of living index of 162 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$480,100
57% above avg
Median Rent
$2,235/mo
70% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.9x
Favors buying
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 94.9%
Renter-occupied 5.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,235
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,849/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
31.4 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
23.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.9%
Carpooled
4.3%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
0.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
23.1%

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
$165,942
123% above avg
Per Capita Income
$60,597
Unemployment Rate
0.6%
88% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.5%
Labor Force Participation
62.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 38.1%
Graduate degree 20.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.2
Male median age 42.9
Female median age 39.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
38.3°F
Annual Precip
43.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343745587078838274625040
Low °F 161725354656626051403022
Precip" 2.652.823.823.783.604.113.523.363.984.483.583.67

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Brookline, NH?

Brookline has a cost index of 162 (100 = national average). It is 62% above the national average.

What is average rent in Brookline, NH?

The median gross rent in Brookline is $2,235 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Brookline?

The median home value in Brookline is $480,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Brookline?

The median household income in Brookline is $165,942 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Brookline, NH?

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

Is Brookline, NH affordable?

Brookline is above average in cost of living, with an index of 162 — about 62% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Brookline?

Brookline has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 38.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Brookline at a Glance

Population
5,697
Median Income
$165,942
Home Value
$480,100
Median Rent
$2,235/mo
Unemployment
0.6%
Avg High Temp
59.5°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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