State Comparison

New Hampshire vs Vermont

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

10
New Hampshire
NH
1 tied
of 16 metrics
5
Vermont
VT

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
NH: 112.6
VT: 114.5
NH

Housing

Median Home Price
NH: $430,000
VT: $350,000
VT
Median 2BR Rent
NH: $1,490/mo
VT: $1,250/mo
VT
Closing Costs
NH: 3.00%
VT: 3.20%
NH
Transfer Tax Rate
NH: 0.75%
VT: 1.25%
NH

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
NH: 1.86%
VT: 1.90%
NH
Top Income Tax Rate
NH: None
VT: 8.75%
NH
Sales Tax Rate
NH: 0.00%
VT: 6.00%
NH
Capital Gains Tax Rate
NH: None
VT: 8.75%
NH

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
NH: $83,449
VT: $65,792
NH
Minimum Wage
NH: $7.25/hr
VT: $14.01/hr
VT
Max Unemployment Benefit
NH: $427/wk
VT: $513/wk
VT

Business

LLC Filing Fee
NH: $100
VT: $125
NH
LLC Annual Fee
NH: $100
VT: $35
VT

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
NH: $1,290/yr
VT: $1,310/yr
NH
Avg Home Insurance
NH: $1,280/yr
VT: $1,280/yr
Tie

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 $430,000 in New Hampshire vs $350,000 in Vermont — a $80,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: New Hampshire has no income tax while Vermont has a 8.75% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.86% vs 1.9%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: New Hampshire's index is 112.6 and Vermont's is 114.5 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Hampshire or Vermont more affordable?

New Hampshire has a lower cost of living index (112.6) compared to Vermont (114.5), 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?

Overall, New Hampshire has a lower combined tax burden. New Hampshire has no income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. Vermont has a 8.75% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 1.9% property tax.

What are housing costs in New Hampshire vs Vermont?

The median home price in New Hampshire is $430,000 compared to $350,000 in Vermont. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,490/month in New Hampshire vs $1,250/month in Vermont.

Which state is better for starting a business — New Hampshire or Vermont?

LLC filing costs are $100 in New Hampshire vs $125 in Vermont, with annual fees of $100 and $35 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 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.

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 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.

New Hampshire (NH) has a median household income of $83,449 with a cost of living index of 112.6. Vermont (VT) has a median household income of $65,792 with a cost of living index of 114.5.

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.

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.