Cost of Living in Canaan, NH

Population 3,801 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023

81
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Canaan is a smaller New Hampshire community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $77,689 and housing costs ($238,000 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 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Canaan is about 55 miles northwest of Manchester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 78
Rent 84

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

About the Cost of Living in Canaan

The median home value in Canaan is $237,900 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,108/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,689/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 57.5°F and lows of 34.6°F. Overall, Canaan has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$237,900
22% below avg
Median Rent
$1,108/mo
16% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,104
1 BR
$1,156
2 BR
$1,516
3 BR
$2,019
4 BR
$2,109
Owner-occupied 81.0%
Renter-occupied 19.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,108
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,722/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
29.7 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.2%
Carpooled
3.7%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
4.4%
Work from home
13.0%

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
$77,689
4% above avg
Per Capita Income
$40,382
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
40% below avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Labor Force Participation
54.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.2%
Graduate degree 9.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.6
Male median age 52.6
Female median age 42.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.5°F
Avg Low
34.6°F
Annual Precip
38.1"
23° 45° 68° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303443577078838173604736
Low °F 91121324452585649372818
Precip" 2.292.102.702.993.323.803.993.623.444.002.982.84

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 37 — Good
85.2%
Good air days/yr
100
Max AQI recorded
135
PM2.5 days
230
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Canaan, NH?

Canaan has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.

What is average rent in Canaan, NH?

The median gross rent in Canaan is $1,108 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Canaan?

The median home value in Canaan is $237,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Canaan?

The median household income in Canaan is $77,689 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Canaan, NH?

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

Is Canaan, NH affordable?

Yes, Canaan is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Canaan?

Canaan has average high temperatures of 57.5°F and average lows of 34.6°F. Annual precipitation is 38.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Canaan at a Glance

Population
3,801
Median Income
$77,689
Home Value
$237,900
Median Rent
$1,108/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Avg High Temp
57.5°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
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🗺️ County data for New Hampshire

Explore county-level cost of living data

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