Cost of Living in Exeter, NH

With a cost of living index of 115, Exeter, NH is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 15% more expensive than the national average and 13% above the New Hampshire state average of 102. Exeter is a smaller community of 10,138 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Exeter's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,569 (19% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $349,300 (15% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Exeter is $83,862, which is 12% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Exeter. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.9°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 47 inches spread over roughly 146 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.