Massachusetts
147.8
composite · rank #50
- Housing
- 217.5
- Grocery
- 106.8
- Utilities
- 143.9
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Massachusetts vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
New Hampshire has the lower cost of living by 37.7 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
New Hampshire is lower
37.7 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Massachusetts is roughly $74,493 in New Hampshire.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
New Hampshire
110.1
composite · rank #38
- Housing
- 116.5
- Grocery
- 100
- Utilities
- 116.4
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 106.8 | 100 | New Hampshire |
| Housing | 217.5 | 116.5 | New Hampshire |
| Utilities | 143.9 | 116.4 | New Hampshire |
| Transportation | 108.5 | 106 | New Hampshire |
| Health care | 131.8 | 106.5 | New Hampshire |
| Misc. goods & services | 118.3 | 108.8 | New Hampshire |
Grocery
Massachusetts106.8
New Hampshire100
Lower cost: New Hampshire
Housing
Massachusetts217.5
New Hampshire116.5
Lower cost: New Hampshire
Utilities
Massachusetts143.9
New Hampshire116.4
Lower cost: New Hampshire
Transportation
Massachusetts108.5
New Hampshire106
Lower cost: New Hampshire
Health care
Massachusetts131.8
New Hampshire106.5
Lower cost: New Hampshire
Misc. goods & services
Massachusetts118.3
New Hampshire108.8
Lower cost: New Hampshire
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in New Hampshire | Needed in Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $37,246 | $67,121 |
| $75,000 | $55,869 | $100,681 |
| $100,000 | $74,493 | $134,242 |
| $150,000 | $111,739 | $201,362 |
| $250,000 | $186,231 | $335,604 |
$50,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$37,246
In Massachusetts$67,121
$75,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$55,869
In Massachusetts$100,681
$100,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$74,493
In Massachusetts$134,242
$150,000 origin salary
In New Hampshire$111,739
In Massachusetts$201,362
Housing gap
Massachusetts housing is 217.5; New Hampshire is 116.5.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Massachusetts is roughly $74,493 in New Hampshire.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Massachusetts vs New Hampshire cost of living FAQs
New Hampshire has the lower cost of living by 37.7 index points. The composite indexes are 147.8 in Massachusetts and 110.1 in New Hampshire (US average = 100).
About $74,493 in New Hampshire would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Massachusetts, based on the composite indexes.
About $134,242 in Massachusetts would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in New Hampshire.
Housing indexes are 217.5 in Massachusetts and 116.5 in New Hampshire. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
New Hampshire has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.