F
32%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
97%
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 Hampton New Hampshire National
Cost of living132110100
Groceries103103100
Health care103104100
Housing197125100
Transportation104103100
Utilities107106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108103100
Household Items101102100
Education & Childcare108105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hampton, NH

Knowing the cost of living in Hampton 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 Hampton stands at 132, marking it 32% higher than the national average.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Hampton is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Hampton falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Hampton cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 97.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Hampton Affordable?

Is Hampton an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Hampton is 120.4% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 43.8% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hampton has a median household income of $122,489, which is 50.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hampton?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Hampton, the healthcare costs are 3.2% higher than the national average.

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 Hampton, the utilities index registers at 6.9% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Hampton, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 0%, and income tax rates kick off at 4%.

Where is the Data From?

The Hampton cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hampton is 20% higher than the New Hampshire average
  • The cost of living in Hampton is 32% higher than the national average
  • Hampton housing is 97% higher 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 Hampton

See all the best places to live around Hampton

Compare Hampton, 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$146,404$12,200$3,416$4,393
      Renters$84,469$7,039$1,971$2,534
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Hampton is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Hampton has a median income of about $146,404 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,416 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $84,469. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,971 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Exeter, NH9,64911312.8%
      Newmarket, NH5,95511717.0%
      Epping, NH3,10811818.0%
      South Eliot, ME3,16812221.7%
      Haverhill, MA65,50012828.3%
      Hampton, NH10,21313232.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Scaggsville, MD10,21016463.7%
      Madera Acres, CA10,21712525.1%
      Pleasant Hill, IA10,2171011.4%
      Clinton, TN10,217936.6%
      Friendly, MD10,21913635.9%
      Hampton, NH10,21313232.4%
      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.