Cost of Living in Portsmouth, NH
Population 22,332 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Portsmouth's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $641,000 for a typical home, 110% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $105,756 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 35 miles east of Manchester, Portsmouth falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 90% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portsmouth
The median home value in Portsmouth is $640,600 — 110% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,778/month, 35% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,756/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Hampshire charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Portsmouth has a cost of living index of 180 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 80% 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
💨 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 Portsmouth, NH?
Portsmouth has a cost index of 180 (100 = national average). It is 80% above the national average.
What is average rent in Portsmouth, NH?
The median gross rent in Portsmouth is $1,778 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth is $640,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth is $105,756 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portsmouth, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portsmouth is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Portsmouth, NH affordable?
Portsmouth is above average in cost of living, with an index of 180 — about 80% higher than the national average.
Portsmouth at a Glance
- Population
- 22,332
- Median Income
- $105,756
- Home Value
- $640,600
- Median Rent
- $1,778/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Hampshire Rankings
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