| Index | Berlin | New Hampshire | National |
| Cost of living | 88 | 110 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 102 | 104 | 100 |
| Housing | 53 | 125 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 105 | 106 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 103 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 105 | 105 | 100 |

The cost of living in Berlin affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Berlin is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, Berlin stands out by reporting housing costs that are 46.6% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Berlin can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 6 residents in Berlin to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 17% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 83% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Berlin is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Berlin, for example, the median home price is 53.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 29.6% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Berlin boasting a median household income of $57,288, which is 29.6% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Berlin, the housing index stands at 46.6% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Berlin, the standard sales tax rate starts at 0%, and the income tax rates commence at 4%.
The Berlin cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $92,646 | $7,721 | $2,162 | $2,780 |
| Renters | $34,869 | $2,906 | $814 | $1,046 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| New Hampshire | 0% | 0% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| New Hampshire | 4% | 4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Gorham, NH | 2,017 | 93 | 6.9% |
| Berlin, NH | 10,336 | 88 | 11.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Highland, IL | 10,335 | 94 | 5.7% |
| Watervliet, NY | 10,333 | 102 | 2.3% |
| Citrus, CA | 10,339 | 151 | 51.4% |
| Flat Rock, MI | 10,332 | 94 | 6.1% |
| Marina del Rey, CA | 10,341 | 219 | 118.8% |
| Berlin, NH | 10,336 | 88 | 11.7% |