Portsmouth, NH

Very High · 155

New Hampshire · Population 22,332 · Updated March 2026

$1,778
Median Rent / Month
$105,756
Median Income
$640,600
Median Home Value
$1,930
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Portsmouth

20.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in New Hampshire

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
0%
Sales Tax
1.86%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$21,336
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$11,915
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Portsmouth has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 155 (where 100 equals the national median), Portsmouth residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,778/month while earning a median household income of $105,756/year.

The median home value in Portsmouth, NH is $640,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,930 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 0% sales tax rate and 1.86% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Portsmouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Portsmouth

What is the cost of living in Portsmouth, NH?
The cost of living index in Portsmouth, NH is 155 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,778, median household income is $105,756/year, and the median home value is $640,600.
Is Portsmouth, NH affordable?
No, Portsmouth is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 155. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Portsmouth, NH?
The median gross rent in Portsmouth, NH is $1,778 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,336.
What is the median household income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth, NH is $105,756 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.86%. Notably, there is no state income tax.