Cost of Living in Strafford, NH

Population 4,271 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023

131
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Strafford is a smaller New Hampshire community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $122,083 and housing costs ($402,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Located 25 miles northeast of Manchester, Strafford falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 20% higher than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 132
Rent 130

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

About the Cost of Living in Strafford

The median home value in Strafford is $402,400 — 32% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,706/month, 30% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $122,083/year is 64% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above 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, Strafford has a cost of living index of 131 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$402,400
32% above avg
Median Rent
$1,706/mo
30% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,475
1 BR
$1,517
2 BR
$1,961
3 BR
$2,429
4 BR
$2,749
Owner-occupied 93.9%
Renter-occupied 6.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,706
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,320/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
35.0 min
30% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.7%
Carpooled
7.8%
Walked
2.5%
Bicycle
1.4%
Work from home
17.3%

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
$122,083
64% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,265
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
6% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Labor Force Participation
55.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.3%
Graduate degree 13.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47.8
Male median age 43.8
Female median age 50.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.8°F
Avg Low
37.6°F
Annual Precip
41.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333544576777828173604837
Low °F 151725354554605850393122
Precip" 2.532.223.723.673.523.863.523.173.434.393.893.30

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Strafford, NH?

Strafford has a cost index of 131 (100 = national average). It is 31% above the national average.

What is average rent in Strafford, NH?

The median gross rent in Strafford is $1,706 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Strafford?

The median home value in Strafford is $402,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Strafford?

The median household income in Strafford is $122,083 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Strafford, NH?

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

Is Strafford, NH affordable?

Strafford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 131 — about 31% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Strafford?

Strafford 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.

Strafford at a Glance

Population
4,271
Median Income
$122,083
Home Value
$402,400
Median Rent
$1,706/mo
Unemployment
5.1%
Avg High Temp
57.8°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
View all cities in New Hampshire →
🗺️ County data for New Hampshire

Explore county-level cost of living data

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