Cost of Living in Keene, NH
Population 22,923 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Keene is a smaller New Hampshire community of around 23000 residents, where median household incomes of $78,183 and housing costs ($233,000 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 1.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Keene is about 45 miles west 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 31% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Keene
The median home value in Keene is $232,500 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,275/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,183/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, 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 56.4°F and lows of 36.4°F. Overall, Keene has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% less 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 | 31 | 34 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 75 | 81 | 79 | 71 | 59 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 23 | 33 | 44 | 54 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 39 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 3.04 | 2.98 | 3.87 | 3.79 | 3.64 | 4.49 | 4.01 | 3.86 | 4.33 | 4.76 | 3.51 | 4.12 |
💨 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 Keene, NH?
Keene has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Keene, NH?
The median gross rent in Keene is $1,275 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Keene?
The median home value in Keene is $232,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Keene?
The median household income in Keene is $78,183 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Keene, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Keene is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Keene, NH affordable?
Yes, Keene is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Keene?
Keene has average high temperatures of 56.4°F and average lows of 36.4°F. Annual precipitation is 46.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Keene at a Glance
- Population
- 22,923
- Median Income
- $78,183
- Home Value
- $232,500
- Median Rent
- $1,275/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Hampshire Rankings
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