Cost of Living in Exeter, NH
Population 16,098 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Exeter 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 25 miles east of Manchester, Exeter falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Exeter
The median home value in Exeter is $431,200 — 41% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,611/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,483/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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, Exeter has a cost of living index of 134 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% 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 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Exeter, NH?
Exeter has a cost index of 134 (100 = national average). It is 34% above the national average.
What is average rent in Exeter, NH?
The median gross rent in Exeter is $1,611 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Exeter?
The median home value in Exeter is $431,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Exeter?
The median household income in Exeter is $96,483 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Exeter, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Exeter is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Exeter, NH affordable?
Exeter is above average in cost of living, with an index of 134 — about 34% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Exeter?
Exeter 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.
Exeter at a Glance
- Population
- 16,098
- Median Income
- $96,483
- Home Value
- $431,200
- Median Rent
- $1,611/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- 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