A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
46%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Berlin New Hampshire National
Cost of living91118100
Goods & Services109120100
Groceries102102100
Health care103113100
Housing54123100
Transportation109110100
Utilities107131100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Berlin, NH

Knowing the cost of living in Berlin allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Berlin stands at 91, marking it 9% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Berlin closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Berlin can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Berlin distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 46.5% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Berlin can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Berlin?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Berlin. The results indicated that 17% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 83% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Berlin Affordable?

Is Berlin affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Berlin, for instance, where the median home price falls 53.9% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 29.1% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Berlin flaunting a median household income of $39,091, 29.3% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Berlin?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Berlin, the utilities index registers at 6.7% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Berlin, the housing index is 46.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Berlin, the transportation index is 9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Berlin cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Berlin is 23% lower than the New Hampshire average
  • The cost of living in Berlin is 9% lower than the national average
  • Berlin housing is 46% lower than the national average
  • New Hampshire general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • New Hampshire state income tax is 122% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Berlin

See all the best places to live around Berlin

Compare Berlin, NH Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$63,333$5,278$1,478$1,900
      Renters$23,798$1,983$555$714
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Berlin, NH, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Berlin, homeowners have a median income of $63,333. Using that number, a maximum of $1,478 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $23,798, which means there is a maximum of $555 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      New Hampshire Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New Hampshire 0% 0%

      New Hampshire Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New Hampshire 5% 5%

      Goods & Services

      Item Berlin National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.67$24.2618.2%
      Beauty Salon $53.03$45.5616.4%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.3%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.9%
      Movie $13.07$12.137.7%
      Bowling $17.76$18.001.4%

      Groceries

      Item Berlin National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.41$5.847.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.43$1.578.9%
      Milk $4.75$4.671.7%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.3%
      Pizza $11.93$12.091.3%
      Beer $10.22$10.411.9%

      Health Care

      Item Berlin National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $170.67$125.6835.8%
      Doctor $146.50$135.787.9%
      Dentist $119.58$113.295.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.72$10.650.7%
      Lipitor $372.90$468.6020.4%

      Housing

      Item Berlin National avg. Difference
      Home Price $85,100.00$184,700.0053.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,456.69$2,346.694.7%
      Apartment Rent $673.00$949.0029.1%

      Transportation

      Item Berlin National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.52$3.461.7%
      Tire Balancing $76.01$59.9226.8%

      Utilities

      Item Berlin National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $218.65$193.9912.7%
      Phone $185.73$192.253.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gorham, NH1,948964.1%
      Berlin, NH10,025919.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rodeo, CA10,02315453.9%
      Holmen, WI10,0231033.2%
      Westgate, FL10,0271021.6%
      Paris, TN10,0218217.9%
      Yarmouth, NS10,021n/a 
      Berlin, NH10,025919.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.