How Much Is Average Rent in New Hampshire?

Understanding the average cost of rent in New Hampshire offers valuable insight into the state’s housing market. Rental prices across the Granite State are influenced by a variety of factors, making a simple statewide average a limited measure of true costs.

Average Rent by Location

Rental costs in New Hampshire vary considerably across different regions and cities, reflecting diverse local market conditions. As of August 2025, the average rent for all property types statewide is approximately $2,195 per month. However, this figure encompasses a broad range, with specific areas presenting notably different price points.

Major urban centers and popular coastal areas typically command higher rents. In Portsmouth, the average rent for all property types is around $2,783 (August 2025), with one-bedroom apartments averaging $2,311 and two-bedrooms $2,510.

Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, sees average rents around $1,780 for all apartments, with one-bedroom units averaging $1,780 and two-bedroom units $2,164 (August 2025).

Nashua, a significant city in Southern New Hampshire, reports slightly higher averages than Manchester. One-bedroom apartments in Nashua average $1,322, and two-bedroom units are $1,818 (December 2024).

Concord, the state capital, generally offers more moderate rental costs. The average rent in Concord is $1,436, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,436 and two-bedroom units $1,648 (August 2025).

Regional differences also play a significant role. The southern tier counties, including Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack, and Strafford, contain a large percentage of the state’s rental units and tend to have higher rental costs.

For example, Rockingham County has seen median two-bedroom rents reaching approximately $2,069 per month, while more rural areas like Coos County have lower median two-bedroom rents, around $1,161 per month.

Factors Influencing Rent Prices

Economic conditions, including the strength of local job markets, significantly influence rent prices across New Hampshire. Areas with robust employment opportunities and higher average wages tend to attract more residents, increasing demand for housing and pushing up rental costs.

This is particularly noticeable in regions with a strong presence of technology, healthcare, or manufacturing sectors.

Population growth and density also directly impact housing availability and pricing. As more people move into certain areas, the existing housing supply may struggle to keep pace with demand, leading to competitive rental markets.

The proximity to major employment hubs outside the state, such as Boston, Massachusetts, significantly influences rental prices in southern New Hampshire communities.

The balance between housing supply and demand is a fundamental determinant of rent. New Hampshire has experienced a tight housing market with low vacancy rates. This limited supply gives landlords more leverage in setting prices.

Local property taxes also factor into rental costs, as landlords often incorporate these expenses into the monthly rent charged to tenants. Higher property tax burdens in certain municipalities can translate to higher rents.

Rent by Property Type and Size

The type and size of a rental unit are significant determinants of its monthly cost in New Hampshire. Generally, smaller units like studio apartments are the most affordable option. As of August 2025, a studio apartment in New Hampshire typically averages $1,492 per month.

One-bedroom apartments average $1,834 per month statewide (August 2025). Two-bedroom apartments average $2,148 monthly.

Larger units, such as three-bedroom apartments or single-family homes, command higher prices, with three-bedroom rentals averaging $2,673 per month. Single-family homes typically have even higher average monthly costs.

Beyond the number of bedrooms, the presence of specific amenities also influences rental prices. Units that include features like in-unit laundry facilities, dedicated parking spaces, or access to a fitness center often rent for more.

Similarly, whether a unit is an apartment, a condominium, or a townhouse can affect the price, with stand-alone homes generally being more expensive than multi-unit dwellings.

Additional Rental Costs

Beyond the stated monthly rent, prospective tenants in New Hampshire should budget for several additional expenses. A security deposit is almost universally required. In New Hampshire, for most residential rental units, the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge is one month’s rent or $100, whichever amount is greater.

However, this limit does not apply to single-family homes. Landlords are generally required to return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends, provided all lease terms are met.

Utility costs represent another significant ongoing expense. New Hampshire’s utility costs are generally higher than the national average.

Common utilities include electricity, which can average $141 to $150 per month, and heating costs, which vary significantly based on the fuel type (e.g., gas, oil, or electricity) and seasonal usage.

Water and sewer charges, along with internet and cable services, also contribute to the monthly utility burden, with internet often costing $65 to $95 per month.

Other potential upfront costs include application fees, which New Hampshire law does not cap, and pet fees or deposits. Some rentals may also involve a broker or finder’s fee. These fees can sometimes amount to a full month’s rent or a percentage thereof.