Cost of Living in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has no state sales tax. It is a popular destination for shoppers looking for tax-free purchases. There is also no local sales taxes making it even more attractive as a shopping destination. New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping is a day trip away from cities in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and even Rhode Island for those looking for bargains. New Hampshire is also home to numerous “outlet” stores that offer discounted products direct from the manufacturer. If you currently live in a state with a sales tax and are sick of all the “extra” costs added to each purchase, you will immediately see the advantage New Hampshire offers. Without a sales tax, the price of your purchase will be more straightforward. Automobiles, appliances, electronics, and clothing are available at reduced prices. Over time, not having to pay a tax on each purchase will help you to achieve a lower cost of living. New Hampshire also has no state income tax. This means that if you work in New Hampshire, your paycheck will only be subject to federal income taxes, although if you have interest and dividend income from investments, those are subject to a tax. New Hampshire offsets the no-tax situation with its property taxes, which are some of the highest in the country. Depending on your housing situation, living in New Hampshire could still be a good deal if you are looking for an overall lower cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

New Hampshire is ranked number 7 out of all states in overall healthcare access and affordability. Healthcare costs make up a significant part of the cost of living. The ability to afford healthcare as well as the ability to access care are key indicators of how much you will be paying for this important resource if you move to another state. Affordability is generally measured by the rates set for insurance coverage in a state, as well as the out-of-pocket expenses that need to be paid by you when receiving the care. If rates or out-of-pocket expenses are high, your cost of living will increase. Access to healthcare is how easy or difficult it may be to receive the care. Access is measured by identifying barriers that might prevent the delivery of care such as the inability to obtain insurance coverage, having to travel long distances to health care centers and lack of sufficient facilities and/or healthcare professionals. The timeliness of care, how fast you can get to see a healthcare provider, is another important measure. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )