State Comparison
Massachusetts vs New Hampshire
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
New Hampshire leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $580,000 in Massachusetts vs $430,000 in New Hampshire — a $150,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Massachusetts has a 9% top income tax rate while New Hampshire has no income tax. Property tax rates are 1.23% vs 1.86%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Massachusetts's index is 135 and New Hampshire's is 112.6 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Massachusetts and New Hampshire data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts or New Hampshire more affordable?
New Hampshire has a lower cost of living index (112.6) compared to Massachusetts (135), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
Overall, New Hampshire has a lower combined tax burden. Massachusetts has a 9% top income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.23% property tax. New Hampshire has no income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
What are housing costs in Massachusetts vs New Hampshire?
The median home price in Massachusetts is $580,000 compared to $430,000 in New Hampshire. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,890/month in Massachusetts vs $1,490/month in New Hampshire.
Which state is better for starting a business — Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
LLC filing costs are $500 in Massachusetts vs $100 in New Hampshire, with annual fees of $500 and $100 respectively. Massachusetts's 9% top tax rate compared to New Hampshire's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Massachusetts to New Hampshire?
It depends on your priorities. New Hampshire wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
Get Weekly Financial Insights
State-specific tax updates, calculator tips, and money-saving strategies — free, no spam.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Related Comparisons
Comparing Massachusetts and New Hampshire
When deciding between living in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Massachusetts (MA) has a median household income of $89,645 with a cost of living index of 135. New Hampshire (NH) has a median household income of $83,449 with a cost of living index of 112.6.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Massachusetts calculator or New Hampshire calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.