Peterborough, NH vs West Swanzey, NH

Peterborough, NH and West Swanzey, NH have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Peterborough scores 103 while West Swanzey scores 105 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Peterborough is $1,310/month compared to $1,685/month in West Swanzey — a 22% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Peterborough has cheaper rent, West Swanzey actually has lower median home values ($193,100 vs $323,700).

Median household income in Peterborough is $81,836 compared to $52,241 in West Swanzey (+56.7%). Peterborough offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Peterborough spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, less than the 38.7% in West Swanzey. The Peterborough ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.4°F vs 46.4°F). West Swanzey receives more rainfall at 46.4" per year compared to 46.4" in Peterborough.