Cost of Living in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Merrimack County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
Merrimack offers strong affordability fundamentals
Merrimack County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% beats both the national benchmark and New Hampshire's 17.7% state average. With a median income of $93,944—26% above the national median—residents enjoy robust earning power relative to housing costs.
Merrimack ranks among New Hampshire's best
Merrimack County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio places it third-best in the state, trailing only Belknap and Coos counties. This solid affordability standing, combined with strong median income, makes Merrimack an attractive option for budget-conscious New Hampshire relocators.
Better value than Hillsborough, Grafton
Merrimack's median rent of $1,293/month trails Hillsborough by $239 and Grafton by just $1 while offering incomes nearly $10,000 higher than Grafton. Compared to Hillsborough and Grafton—the state's least affordable—Merrimack delivers measurably better housing value.
Balanced costs with strong income cushion
Renters pay $1,293/month while homeowners spend $1,765/month, a significant gap suggesting homeownership carries affordability trade-offs at this price point. With median income of $93,944, housing consumes roughly 16-17% of household earnings, providing healthy reserves.
Merrimack balances affordability and opportunity
Merrimack County combines strong median income ($93,944) with below-average housing costs, making it an excellent choice for relocators seeking financial stability. Compare with Belknap for similarly strong affordability, or consider Merrimack if you need slightly higher earning potential.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Merrimack County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,192
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.5%
of gross income
The median home in Merrimack County may be a stretch
Median home value is $330,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,639 vs. your max of $2,192.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.