Cost of Living in Pelham, NH

Population 14,333 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023

138
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Pelham is a smaller New Hampshire community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $126,804 and housing costs ($485,000 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 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Pelham sits roughly 6 miles north of Lowell — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Lowell's $395,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 159
Rent 106

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

About the Cost of Living in Pelham

The median home value in Pelham is $484,500 — 59% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,390/month, 6% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $126,804/year is 70% 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 59.8°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Pelham has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$484,500
59% above avg
Median Rent
$1,390/mo
6% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,184
1 BR
$1,192
2 BR
$1,564
3 BR
$1,917
4 BR
$2,405
Owner-occupied 88.1%
Renter-occupied 11.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,390
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,004/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
30.8 min
14% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.6%
Carpooled
4.9%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
0.8%
Work from home
19.5%

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
$126,804
70% above avg
Per Capita Income
$53,474
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
45% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Labor Force Participation
58.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.1%
Graduate degree 13.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43
Male median age 43.7
Female median age 42.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.8°F
Avg Low
40.4°F
Annual Precip
40.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343746597079848275625039
Low °F 171927384858646254423324
Precip" 2.442.733.453.333.384.043.303.353.723.883.483.29

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pelham, NH?

Pelham has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.

What is average rent in Pelham, NH?

The median gross rent in Pelham is $1,390 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pelham?

The median home value in Pelham is $484,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Pelham?

The median household income in Pelham is $126,804 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pelham, NH?

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

Is Pelham, NH affordable?

Pelham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Pelham?

Pelham 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.

Pelham at a Glance

Population
14,333
Median Income
$126,804
Home Value
$484,500
Median Rent
$1,390/mo
Unemployment
2.7%
Avg High Temp
59.8°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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