Hanover, NH vs Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is moderately more affordable than Hanover, with a 9.2% lower cost of living index. Hanover scores 158 compared to 145 for Portsmouth, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hanover can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hanover is $2,132/month compared to $1,778/month in Portsmouth — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portsmouth is more affordable at $640,600 median vs $682,100.

Median household income in Hanover is $135,250 compared to $105,756 in Portsmouth (+27.9%). While Hanover is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hanover spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, less than the 20.2% in Portsmouth.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46°F vs 46.9°F). Portsmouth receives more rainfall at 47" per year compared to 38.1" in Hanover.