Cost of Living in Cheshire County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cheshire County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cheshire County ranks #2,243 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cheshire County, New Hampshire
Cheshire rents outpace national affordability
At 18.1%, Cheshire County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average (20% is sustainable, but creeping toward stress) and New Hampshire's 17.7% state rate. The median income of $81,001 is solid at 8% above the national median, but housing costs still consume more of household budgets here.
Cheshire among New Hampshire's pricier counties
Cheshire County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper half of New Hampshire counties for affordability stress. Only Grafton County and Hillsborough exceed it, placing Cheshire in a less favorable position than most peers statewide.
Higher rents than nearby Coos County
Cheshire's median rent of $1,220/month runs 45% above Coos County's $843/month, though Cheshire's income advantage ($81,001 vs. $58,439) partially offsets the difference. Compared to Grafton County to the north, Cheshire offers lower home values but similar rental stress.
Homeownership carries steeper costs
Renters spend $1,220/month while homeowners pay $1,498/month, a substantial $278 gap suggesting ownership isn't a straightforward upgrade to affordability. Combined, housing costs consume roughly 18% of the median household income of $81,001.
Cheshire suits those prioritizing culture
Cheshire County's housing costs climb above state averages, but the region offers distinctive small-town appeal and cultural amenities worth the premium for some relocators. Compare closely with Belknap or Carroll if affordability is your primary driver; Cheshire demands more housing budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cheshire County
Affordability Verdict
Cheshire County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,220/month — about 18.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cheshire County is $1,220/month, while owner costs run $1,498/month. Renting saves approximately $278/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $48,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $64,200/year. With a median household income of $81,001, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Cheshire County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Hampshire, Cheshire County is more affordable than Sullivan County by roughly 5% ($1,220/mo vs $1,159/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cheshire County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,890
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.2%
of gross income
The median home in Cheshire County may be a stretch
Median home value is $257,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,053 vs. your max of $1,890.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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