State Comparison
New Hampshire vs Vermont
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
New Hampshire leads in 9 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $523,000 in New Hampshire vs $402,000 in Vermont — a $121,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: New Hampshire has no income tax while Vermont has a 8.75% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.5% vs 1.51%.
- 4
Cost of Living: New Hampshire's index is 110.1 and Vermont's is 113 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real New Hampshire and Vermont data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Hampshire or Vermont more affordable?
New Hampshire has a lower cost of living index (110.1) compared to Vermont (113), 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 — New Hampshire or Vermont?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, New Hampshire is lower on more of them. New Hampshire has no income tax, 0% state sales tax, and a 1.5% effective property tax rate. Vermont has a 8.75% top income tax, 6% state sales tax, and a 1.51% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in New Hampshire vs Vermont?
The typical home value in New Hampshire is $523,000 compared to $402,000 in Vermont (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $2,040/month in New Hampshire vs $1,684/month in Vermont.
Which state is better for starting a business — New Hampshire or Vermont?
LLC filing costs are $100 in New Hampshire vs $155 in Vermont, with annual fees of $100 and $45 respectively. New Hampshire's lack of income tax compared to Vermont's 8.75% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from New Hampshire to Vermont?
It depends on your priorities. New Hampshire wins in 9 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.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing New Hampshire and Vermont
When deciding between living in New Hampshire or Vermont, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
New Hampshire (NH) has a median household income of $99,782 with a cost of living index of 110.1. Vermont (VT) has a median household income of $82,730 with a cost of living index of 113. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free New Hampshire calculator or Vermont calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.