Cost of Living in Rochester, NH
Population 32,866 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Rochester cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $263,000, rents near $1,220 a month. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Rochester is about 30 miles northeast 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 22% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rochester
The median home value in Rochester is $262,600 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,220/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,388/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 57.8°F and lows of 37.6°F. Overall, Rochester has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% 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 | 33 | 35 | 44 | 57 | 67 | 77 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 60 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 15 | 17 | 25 | 35 | 45 | 54 | 60 | 58 | 50 | 39 | 31 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.53 | 2.22 | 3.72 | 3.67 | 3.52 | 3.86 | 3.52 | 3.17 | 3.43 | 4.39 | 3.89 | 3.30 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rochester, NH?
Rochester has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rochester, NH?
The median gross rent in Rochester is $1,220 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $262,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester is $79,388 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rochester, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rochester is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Rochester, NH affordable?
Yes, Rochester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Rochester has average high temperatures of 57.8°F and average lows of 37.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rochester at a Glance
- Population
- 32,866
- Median Income
- $79,388
- Home Value
- $262,600
- Median Rent
- $1,220/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.8°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