Durham, NH vs Portsmouth, NH

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Durham is 19.9% cheaper than Portsmouth. With a cost index of 116 vs 145, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Durham to Portsmouth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Durham is $1,338/month compared to $1,778/month in Portsmouth — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Durham is more affordable at $451,000 median vs $640,600.

Median household income in Durham is $109,934 compared to $105,756 in Portsmouth (+4%). Durham offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Durham spend roughly 14.6% of their income on rent, less than the 20.2% in Portsmouth.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.1°F vs 46.9°F). Durham receives more rainfall at 47.8" per year compared to 47" in Portsmouth.