The 8 cheapest places to rent an apartment in New Hampshire
Here are eight of the most affordable places to rent an apartment in the Granite State.
We love living in New Hampshire, but it’s not cheap. We’re the 10th most expensive state to live in the country, according to the World Population Review, which factors in housing cost, transportation, utilities, the price of food, and utility costs. For those who rent their living space, seeking out the most cost-friendly apartments depends on so many factors, including monthly rent, including heating costs, rental availability, job opportunities, and the price of clothes and food. In New Hampshire, it’s our cities that offer a renter the best bang for their buck.
The current average rent for an apartment in New Hampshire is $1,827 a month, but costs vary greatly depending on where you live. Monthly rates in the state range widely from $600 a month for small apartments in more remote cities like Berlin and up to $5,000 for luxury units in highly desirable locations like Portsmouth, according to the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.
Here are seven locations we found to be most affordable for rent in the Granite State, based on rent, availability, energy cost, median household income, and cost of living compared to the state average of $56,727 a year. To create our ranking, we gathered facts from World Population Review and, New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, United States Census Bureau, Best Places, the Keene Sentinel, Apartments.com, WalletHub, and cnbc.com.
1. Berlin
By far, this city on the Androscoggin River in the northern part of New Hampshire has the lowest apartment rental costs in the state, ranging from $600 to $825 a month. In addition, the cost of living in Berlin is way lower than the rest of the state, as well as the rest of the United States. Its location in the White Mountain region is also perfect for those who like outdoor sports and skiing.
Population: 9,500
Median rental rate: $730
Median household income: $44,000
Average monthly electric bill: $140
Cost of living: 25.7% lower than the state average
2. Laconia
Rent in this Lakes Region city in Belknap County starts at about $1,000 a month, making it a very affordable way to enjoy city life and the natural beauty of the Lakes Region at the same time. It includes the villages of Weirs Beach and Lakeport and is surrounded by Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, with water sports, hiking, and skiing for outdoor fans and live theater, music, and lots of shopping.
Population: 17,310
Median rental rate: $1,000
Median household income: $68,400
Average monthly electric bill: $140 a month
Cost of living: 3.4% lower than the state average
3. Rochester
There’s no doubt that Rochester, in the Seacoast Region of the state near the Cocheco and Salmon Falls Rivers, has a lot to offer apartment renters with a limited budget. A studio rental costs about $1,000, and a two-bedroom flat is about $1,700 a month—about half the price of equal-sized units in places like Nashua. It has a vibrant Main Street and proximity to outdoor activities. Rochester is also home to the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts and the Rochester Opera House. But prospective renters should do their research; there are a few areas in the downtown of the city that have higher crime rates. .
Population: 33,500
Median rental rate: $1,400
Median household income: $79,400
Average monthly electric bill: $140 a month
Cost of living: 2.8% lower than the state average
4. Claremont
Claremont is a quiet, small city in the Western part of New Hampshire situated near the Connecticut River. It has a small-town vibe with natural beauty and places to shop, eat, and enjoy art. It’s also home to the Claremont Opera House for live performances and the 255-acre Moody Park that has hiking, cross-country, and mountain-biking trails as well as a golf course.
Population: 13,000
Median rental rate: $1,500
Median household income: $55,000
Average monthly electric bill: $137 a month
Cost of living: 15.8% lower than the state average
5. Concord
Our capital city is also an affordable, historic location for apartment dwellers and offers a lot in terms of lifestyle. There’s a thriving downtown with restaurants and shopping, entertainment venues like the Capitol Center for the Arts, and the independent movie house, Red River Theatres. Concord also has museums, including the New Hampshire Historical Society, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and the New Hampshire State House. Some of its largest employers are Concord Hospital, state offices, law firms, and financial groups.
Population: 44,600
Median rental rate: $1,400
Median household income: $83,700
Average monthly electric bill: $130 a month
Cost of living: 5.1% lower than the state average
6. Hudson
This town of approximately 25,800 borders the Massachusetts state line in the southern part of the state. It’s known for its good schools, sense of community, and limited but affordable apartment rentals. A big draw for locals and out-of-town visitors is Benson’s Park, once the home of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm and now a 166-acre recreation area that is free. The town’s historic Hills House is the site of the annual Hudson Old Home Days, the British Car Show and many other events.
Population: 25,800
Median rental rate: $1,400
Median household income: $125,000
Average monthly electric bill: $245 a month
Cost of living: 4.6% higher than the state average
7. Keene
Keene is a hip college city in the state’s Monadnock region. It boasts the widest paved Main Street in the world, which is lined with boutique businesses and was used as a location for the 1995 movie, “Jumanji.” Keene State College offers employment opportunities and entertainment for the community. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail, where hikers and bikers can recreate for free.
Population: 23,000
Median rental rate: $1,980
Median household income: $78,200
Average monthly electric bill: $140 a month
Cost of living: 12.9% lower than the state average
8. Nashua
The state’s second-largest city was just ranked as one of the top 10 places to rent in the country by WalletHub. The city, situated on the Massachusetts border, offers a variety of rental options, ranging from affordable apartment units to luxury condos. Nashua has a large public park system, including the 125-acre Greeley Park, which includes free garden allotments and three public swimming pools, all of which are free for residents. The city offers a variety of free entertainment, including a large Fourth of July celebration, parades, and a holiday stroll. Public art, including sculpture and murals, is featured throughout the city, and a farmers market is held each week during the growing season. Nashua is also home to Rivier University.
Population: 91,000
Median rental rate: $2,100
Median household income: $98,600
Average monthly electric bill: $140 a month
Cost of living: 4.6% lower than the state average
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