Exeter, NH vs Portsmouth, NH

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Exeter is 20.8% cheaper than Portsmouth. With a cost index of 115 vs 145, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Exeter to Portsmouth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Exeter is $1,569/month compared to $1,778/month in Portsmouth — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Exeter is more affordable at $349,300 median vs $640,600.

Median household income in Exeter is $83,862 compared to $105,756 in Portsmouth (-20.7%). The higher salaries in Portsmouth partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Exeter spend roughly 22.5% of their income on rent, more than the 20.2% in Portsmouth.

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