What is the cheapest town to live in New Hampshire?

Imagine waking up to crisp New England air, rolling hills painted in fiery fall colors, and a neighborhood where your dollar stretches further than you thought possible. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, if you’re asking, “What is the cheapest town to live in New Hampshire?” — you’re in for a fact-packed, story-driven ride. Let’s embark on this journey, explore some lesser-known gems, and get smarter about New Hampshire’s most budget-friendly towns — all sprinkled with insights and a little wit.

The Granite State: Beautiful but pricey?

New Hampshire has long been a magnet for those seeking quality healthcare, excellent colleges, and stunning nature. But like many places in the US, affordability often feels like that carrot dangling just out of reach. Median home prices in the state hover around $477,813, which can cause sticker shock for many. So, when we talk "cheapest town to live in New Hampshire," it’s not just about low price tags — it's about smart choices, balance, and lifestyle fit.

Which New Hampshire town takes the "Cheapest" crown? Drumroll, please.

Berlin, NH is the undeniable answer here. The town boasts:

• Median home value: About $189,691

• Median rent: Roughly $1,300

• Cost of living: 21.4% lower than the national average

• Population: Around 9,459 residents

• Median household income: Approximately $43,972

Why does Berlin shine? Picture this: nestled amidst beautiful Glen Woods State Park, with a deeply rooted community spirit, the town balances affordable housing with proximity to nature. Healthcare costs here are 14.7% lower than the national median — a meaningful plus for retirees or anyone who values accessible health services.

And if annual winter sports carnivals and community festivals light up your social calendar, Berlin offers seasonal excitement without straining your wallet (or mittens).

Is cheap living synonymous with "no jobs"?

Great question. Nobody wants to invest in a house without viable job prospects nearby. Berlin, once fueled by forestry and paper mills, has faced economic challenges but is seeing steady efforts toward diversification. Plus, nearby cities add to employment opportunities.

Cities like Dover, NH and Franklin, NH also offer promising options, balancing affordable living with growing job markets:

• Dover, NH: Median home price of $506,823 with a dynamic employment landscape in education, healthcare, and technology sectors.

• Franklin, NH: Known as “Three Rivers City,” with a median home value around $348,976 and a thriving local economy in arts, hospitality, and retail.

Let's talk Bedford, NH — Why is it not the cheapest, but still worth noting?

Bedford, NH is often revered as a desirable place to live in the state, but it’s on the higher end cost-wise — typically NOT the cheapest town to live in New Hampshire. Median home values here are above $500,000.

Why mention Bedford? Because when you compare it to Berlin or Claremont, it’s clear how town choice affects your budget. Bedford is emblematic of the trade-offs: a higher cost can accompany proximity to thriving schools (located in Bedford School District, check GreatSchools.org for ratings), amenities, and a suburban feel. For savvy buyers who intensely focus on value, knowing the difference helps craft your housing strategy.
The real buyer’s cheat sheet: what to consider

When evaluating the cheapest town to live in New Hampshire, it’s not as simple as picking the town with the lowest median home price. You need context. Here's what smart homebuyers do:

1. Look at the total cost of living — housing is just one piece; utilities, healthcare, transportation, and groceries matter.

2. Evaluate median household income in relation to housing costs — affordability depends on how the locals manage.

3. Explore employment sectors that align with your career or retirement plans.

4. Check community amenities like parks, cultural events (Franklin’s rivers, Keene Pumpkin Festival), and proximity to urban hubs.

5. Research school districts (if applicable), with no assumptions — check non-biased resources like GreatSchools.org.

6. Consider future growth potential and infrastructure, like public transport or broadband access.

A slice of New Hampshire affordability, straight from the numbers:

• Berlin’s rent hovers around $1,300, compared to Rochester’s $2,100.

• Whether it’s a cozy home near Glen Woods or a cottage close to Webster Lake in Franklin, affordability does not mean compromising your connection to nature.

• Healthcare costs run 15-20% below national averages in some of these towns, a powerful factor for long-term savings.

Don’t just take my word for it — data leads the way

Reliable sources include:

• Zillow for median home values and rent

• BestPlaces.net for cost of living comparisons

• Census data for household income insights

And when you’re really ready to take the plunge, platforms like Houzeo.com let you browse thousands of listings, filter by budget, and bid online—making house hunting less like a horror flick and more like your favorite sitcom.

FAQs: Your Cheapest Town Questions, Answered

Q1: Is Berlin really the cheapest town in New Hampshire?
Absolutely. With housing and living costs significantly below state and national averages, Berlin takes the “cheapest” crown.

Q2: How does Bedford compare in terms of affordability?
Bedford is more expensive, with median home prices often exceeding $500,000, making it less affordable than towns like Berlin or Claremont.

Q3: Can I find homes under $200k in NH?
Yes, primarily in the cheapest towns such as Berlin, Franklin, and parts of Rochester.

Q4: What about job availability in the cheapest towns?
While some smaller towns might have fewer local jobs, cities like Dover and Rochester combine affordability with growing employment in healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Your next step toward smart New Hampshire living

Exploring your options is the fun part. Whether you fall in love with Berlin’s rustic charm or opt for Dover’s urban-suburban balance, finding the cheapest town to live in New Hampshire is about aligning value and lifestyle.

Ready to start hunting for your perfect affordable home? Don’t wander alone into the real estate wilderness—get expert guidance that puts you first.

📞 Contact: David Hansen
📍 Title: Real Estate Agent
📲 Phone: 603-852-2913
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://nhgoldenrule.com

Drop me a line, share your questions, or just say hello! Let’s find you a home where your dollars and your dreams both feel at home.

Data pulled from Houzeo's 2025 Cheapest Places to Live in New Hampshire and verified through Zillow, BestPlaces, and Census Bureau sources.