A-
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
5%
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 Keene New Hampshire National
Cost of living109110100
Groceries106103100
Health care112104100
Housing105125100
Transportation111103100
Utilities116106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111103100
Household Items106102100
Education & Childcare118105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Keene, NH

The cost of living in Keene 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 Keene is 109, which is 9% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Keene aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Keene residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 8 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Keene. The feedback revealed that 38% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 63% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Keene Affordable?

Is Keene affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Keene, the median home price is 5.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 4.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Keene boasting a median household income of $86,912, 6.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Keene?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Keene, the utilities index stands at 16.2% 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 Keene, the housing index is 5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Keene 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 Keene is 1% lower than the New Hampshire average
  • The cost of living in Keene is 9% higher than the national average
  • Keene housing is 5% 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 Keene

See all the best places to live around Keene

Compare Keene, 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$115,747$9,646$2,701$3,473
      Renters$62,176$5,181$1,451$1,865
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Keene, NH, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Keene, the median monthly income is $115,747 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,701 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $62,176, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,451 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Troy, NH8791000.1%
      Winchester, NH1,9991021.8%
      Bellows Falls, VT3,007972.9%
      Hinsdale, NH1,5141044.4%
      Jaffrey, NH2,8521066.2%
      Keene, NH23,2831099.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lennox, CA23,29015050.3%
      West Carson, CA23,26915555.3%
      Roselle, IL23,29811414.5%
      Dolton, IL23,262955.4%
      Lincolnia, VA23,26114544.8%
      Keene, NH23,2831099.0%
      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.