Boston, MA vs Portsmouth, NH: Cost of Living Comparison
Portsmouth has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Boston | Portsmouth | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 158 | 149 | Portsmouth |
| Housing | 204 ($1,465) | 184 ($1,245) | Portsmouth |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 97 ($3.50) | Portsmouth |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 142 ($582) | Boston |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 142 ($331) | Portsmouth |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 142 ($239) | Portsmouth |
| Median annual wage | 131 ($63,590) | 115 ($55,880) | Portsmouth |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston, MA or Portsmouth, NH cheaper to live in?
Portsmouth, NH is cheaper overall by about 9 index points (Boston, MA: 158, Portsmouth, NH: 149; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Boston, MA vs Portsmouth, NH?
A single adult needs roughly $55,300/year in Boston, MA and $52,150/year in Portsmouth, NH to cover basic living costs.