Cost of Living in Durham, NH
Population 10,577 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Durham sits on the smaller end of the New Hampshire city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Durham is about 30 miles east of Manchester, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Durham
The median home value in Durham is $451,000 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,338/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,934/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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 57.1°F and lows of 37.0°F. Overall, Durham has a cost of living index of 129 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 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 | 32 | 36 | 43 | 55 | 66 | 75 | 81 | 80 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 15 | 16 | 25 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 39 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 3.38 | 3.52 | 4.39 | 4.20 | 3.80 | 4.28 | 3.76 | 3.43 | 3.86 | 4.79 | 3.95 | 4.47 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Durham, NH?
Durham has a cost index of 129 (100 = national average). It is 29% above the national average.
What is average rent in Durham, NH?
The median gross rent in Durham is $1,338 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Durham?
The median home value in Durham is $451,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Durham?
The median household income in Durham is $109,934 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Durham, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Durham is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Durham, NH affordable?
Durham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 129 — about 29% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Durham?
Durham has average high temperatures of 57.1°F and average lows of 37.0°F. Annual precipitation is 47.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Durham at a Glance
- Population
- 10,577
- Median Income
- $109,934
- Home Value
- $451,000
- Median Rent
- $1,338/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Hampshire Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs