Cost of Living in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hillsborough County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hillsborough County ranks #2,600 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
Hillsborough housing costs strain even high earners
Hillsborough County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most expensive despite a median household income of $100,436—the highest in New Hampshire and 34% above the national median. The median rent of $1,532/month reflects regional demand that outpaces even relatively high local earnings.
New Hampshire's priciest county overall
Hillsborough County's median home value of $385,500 and median rent of $1,532/month are the highest in the state, ranking second-worst on rent-to-income ratio at 18.3%. Only Grafton County approaches Hillsborough's affordability challenges, making this the state's most expensive housing market.
Dramatically pricier than surrounding counties
Hillsborough's $1,532/month rent exceeds Merrimack County's $1,293 by 18% and even outpaces higher-income Rockingham's $1,619 in monthly rent consumption relative to earnings. Home values of $385,500 are matched only by Rockingham, making Hillsborough the region's premium market.
Highest absolute housing costs in New Hampshire
Renters spend $1,532/month and homeowners $1,946/month—the state's steepest costs—though median income of $100,436 provides substantial cushion. Housing still claims roughly 18% of household earnings, a notable burden even for this county's above-average earners.
Hillsborough requires serious earning power
Hillsborough County demands the highest earning potential of any New Hampshire county, with median rent consuming 18.3% of income even for above-average households. Relocators with lower incomes should strongly consider Belknap, Carroll, or Merrimack counties where housing costs are 15-20% lower.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hillsborough County
Affordability Verdict
Hillsborough County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,532/month — about 18.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hillsborough County is $1,532/month, while owner costs run $1,946/month. Renting saves approximately $414/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $61,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $83,400/year. With a median household income of $100,436, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Hillsborough County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Hampshire, Hillsborough County is less affordable than Rockingham County by roughly 5% ($1,532/mo vs $1,619/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hillsborough County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,344
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.3%
of gross income
The median home in Hillsborough County may be a stretch
Median home value is $385,500. Estimated monthly cost: $3,078 vs. your max of $2,344.
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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