A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
47%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Berlin New Hampshire National
Cost of living88110100
Groceries103103100
Health care102104100
Housing53125100
Transportation104103100
Utilities105106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101103100
Household Items103102100
Education & Childcare105105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Berlin, NH

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.

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

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.

Is Berlin Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Berlin?

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%.

Where is the Data From?

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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Berlin is 20% lower than the New Hampshire average
  • The cost of living in Berlin is 12% lower than the national average
  • Berlin housing is 47% lower than the national average
  • New Hampshire general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • New Hampshire state income tax is 54% 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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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      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
      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 $92,646. Using that number, a maximum of $2,162 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $34,869, which means there is a maximum of $814 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 4% 4%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gorham, NH2,017936.9%
      Berlin, NH10,3368811.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Highland, IL10,335945.7%
      Watervliet, NY10,3331022.3%
      Citrus, CA10,33915151.4%
      Flat Rock, MI10,332946.1%
      Marina del Rey, CA10,341219118.8%
      Berlin, NH10,3368811.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.