| Index | Keene | New Hampshire | National |
| Cost of living | 109 | 110 | 100 |
| Groceries | 106 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 112 | 104 | 100 |
| Housing | 105 | 125 | 100 |
| Transportation | 111 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 116 | 106 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 111 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 106 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 118 | 105 | 100 |

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.
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? 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.
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.
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 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 | $115,747 | $9,646 | $2,701 | $3,473 |
| Renters | $62,176 | $5,181 | $1,451 | $1,865 |
| 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. |
| Troy, NH | 879 | 100 | 0.1% |
| Winchester, NH | 1,999 | 102 | 1.8% |
| Bellows Falls, VT | 3,007 | 97 | 2.9% |
| Hinsdale, NH | 1,514 | 104 | 4.4% |
| Jaffrey, NH | 2,852 | 106 | 6.2% |
| Keene, NH | 23,283 | 109 | 9.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lennox, CA | 23,290 | 150 | 50.3% |
| West Carson, CA | 23,269 | 155 | 55.3% |
| Roselle, IL | 23,298 | 114 | 14.5% |
| Dolton, IL | 23,262 | 95 | 5.4% |
| Lincolnia, VA | 23,261 | 145 | 44.8% |
| Keene, NH | 23,283 | 109 | 9.0% |