Keene, NH vs Portsmouth, NH

The cost of living difference between Keene, NH and Portsmouth, NH is dramatic. Keene is 34.2% cheaper than Portsmouth, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Keene has a cost index of 96 while Portsmouth sits at 145, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Keene is $1,275/month compared to $1,778/month in Portsmouth — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Keene is more affordable at $232,500 median vs $640,600.

Median household income in Keene is $78,183 compared to $105,756 in Portsmouth (-26.1%). The higher salaries in Portsmouth partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Keene spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, less than the 20.2% in Portsmouth.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.4°F vs 46.9°F). Portsmouth receives more rainfall at 47" per year compared to 46.4" in Keene.