Cost of Living in Charlestown, NH

Population 4,872 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023

70
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 Charlestown a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $173,000. An unemployment rate of 2.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Charlestown is about 50 miles west of Manchester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 57
Rent 89

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

About the Cost of Living in Charlestown

The median home value in Charlestown is $172,500 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,169/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,614/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 56.5°F and lows of 34.6°F. Overall, Charlestown has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$172,500
43% below avg
Median Rent
$1,169/mo
11% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$980
1 BR
$1,084
2 BR
$1,422
3 BR
$1,902
4 BR
$2,068
Owner-occupied 73.4%
Renter-occupied 26.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,169
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,783/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
25.1 min
7% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.2%
Carpooled
9.3%
Walked
2.0%
Work from home
7.5%

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
$48,614
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,255
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
58% below avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
Labor Force Participation
43.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.7%
Graduate degree 4.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47.8
Male median age 41.7
Female median age 50.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.5°F
Avg Low
34.6°F
Annual Precip
40.3"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303342566876818072594635
Low °F 111321324352575548372818
Precip" 2.802.232.983.353.493.783.863.563.614.163.343.17

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Charlestown, NH?

Charlestown has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in Charlestown, NH?

The median gross rent in Charlestown is $1,169 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Charlestown?

The median home value in Charlestown is $172,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Charlestown?

The median household income in Charlestown is $48,614 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Charlestown, NH?

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

Is Charlestown, NH affordable?

Yes, Charlestown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Charlestown?

Charlestown has average high temperatures of 56.5°F and average lows of 34.6°F. Annual precipitation is 40.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Charlestown at a Glance

Population
4,872
Median Income
$48,614
Home Value
$172,500
Median Rent
$1,169/mo
Unemployment
2.0%
Avg High Temp
56.5°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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