Moving to New Hampshire: What You Need to Know
New Hampshire offers a rare combination: no state income tax on earned wages and no sales tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states in the Northeast. Its proximity to Boston makes southern NH cities like Nashua and Manchester popular with commuters who want to avoid Massachusetts taxes. The state consistently ranks among the top five nationally for education, safety, and quality of life. However, high property taxes (averaging 1.86%) and rising home prices are the tradeoffs, with the median home now around $450,000.
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Cost of Living in New Hampshire
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,550/mo
Avg Local Move
$1,050
Avg Long-Distance Move
$4,300
Taxes in New Hampshire
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax | None on earned income (3% on interest and dividends, phasing out by 2027) |
| Effective Property Tax | 1.86% |
| State Sales Tax | None |
Job Market & Economy
New Hampshire Climate & Weather
Four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The White Mountains region is colder and snowier. Coastal areas are slightly milder. Fall foliage is spectacular.
Best Cities to Move to in New Hampshire
Pros and Cons of Living in New Hampshire
Pros
- +No state income tax on earned income and no sales tax
- +Proximity to Boston with significantly lower living costs
- +Excellent public schools ranked among the top in the nation
- +Beautiful four-season landscape with mountains, lakes, and coastline
Cons
- -Very high property taxes to compensate for no income or sales tax
- -Housing prices have surged due to demand from Massachusetts commuters
- -Limited public transportation
- -Cold, snowy winters especially in northern areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to New Hampshire?
A local move within New Hampshire averages $800–$1,300. Moving from Massachusetts or other New England states costs $800–$2,000. Cross-country moves to New Hampshire typically run $4,000–$7,500.
Is it worth moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire?
For many, yes. You eliminate Massachusetts' 5% flat income tax and 6.25% sales tax. A household earning $150,000 saves roughly $7,500 in income tax alone. Southern NH towns like Nashua, Salem, and Londonderry are within a 45–60 minute commute to Boston. However, higher property taxes and home prices partially offset the savings, especially in desirable southern towns.
How high are New Hampshire property taxes?
New Hampshire has the third-highest property tax rate in the nation at an average of 1.86%. On a $450,000 home, you'd pay approximately $8,370 per year. This is because property taxes are essentially the state's primary revenue source with no income or sales tax. Rates vary by town -- some areas exceed 2.5%.
What are the best places to live in New Hampshire?
Nashua and Manchester are the largest cities with the most job opportunities and amenities. Portsmouth offers a charming coastal lifestyle with excellent restaurants and historic architecture. Concord is a quiet capital city with good government jobs. Hanover (home of Dartmouth College) is an upscale college town. The Lakes Region around Winnipesaukee is popular for recreation and retirement.
What is the job market like in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has consistently low unemployment, typically among the lowest 5–10 states. The southern tier benefits from the Greater Boston economy, with many tech, biotech, and financial companies in the I-93 corridor. BAE Systems, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, and Liberty Mutual are major employers. The state's tech sector has grown, and remote work has further expanded options for residents.