Cost of Living in Chester, NH
Population 5,263 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chester is a smaller New Hampshire community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $138,606 and housing costs ($480,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 10 miles east of Manchester, Chester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chester
The median home value in Chester is $479,500 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $138,606/year is 86% 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 59.8°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Chester has a cost of living index of 157 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% more expensive.
Chester has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 34 | 37 | 46 | 59 | 70 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 62 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 17 | 19 | 27 | 38 | 48 | 58 | 64 | 62 | 54 | 42 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.44 | 2.73 | 3.45 | 3.33 | 3.38 | 4.04 | 3.30 | 3.35 | 3.72 | 3.88 | 3.48 | 3.29 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chester, NH?
Chester has a cost index of 157 (100 = national average). It is 57% above the national average.
What is the average home price in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $479,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester is $138,606 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chester, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chester is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Chester, NH affordable?
Chester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 157 — about 57% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Chester?
Chester 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.
Chester at a Glance
- Population
- 5,263
- Median Income
- $138,606
- Home Value
- $479,500
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Hampshire Rankings
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