Cost of Living in Portsmouth, NH - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $878 (excluding rent), and $2,980 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,797 (excluding rent), and $5,304 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.12 $19.12

$15.1 $15.1

$40.26 $40.26

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$101 $101

$71 $71

$182 $182

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.77 $8.77

$7.79 $7.79

$14.62 $14.62

Cappuccino

$4.42 $4.42

$3.44 $3.44

$5.89 $5.89

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.82 $2.82

$2.05 $2.05

$3.59 $3.59

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 $1.97

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.07 $6.07

$4.05 $4.05

$9.11 $9.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.31 $7.31

$5.85 $5.85

$11.7 $11.7

Milk (1 liter)

$1.03 $1.03

$0.8 $0.8

$2.29 $2.29

White Bread (500g)

$3.3 $3.3

$2.71 $2.71

$5.91 $5.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.11 $3.11

$2.02 $2.02

$11.14 $11.14

Eggs

$2.68 $2.68

$1.74 $1.74

$8.74 $8.74

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.54 $10.54

$3.92 $3.92

$15.14 $15.14

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.67 $9.67

$4.4 $4.4

$17.7 $17.7

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.43 $16.43

$15.32 $15.32

$28.49 $28.49

Apples (1kg)

$5.06 $5.06

$1.78 $1.78

$8.93 $8.93

Banana (1kg)

$2.26 $2.26

$0.88 $0.88

$3.4 $3.4

Oranges (1kg)

$5.98 $5.98

$5.15 $5.15

$9.08 $9.08

Tomato (1kg)

$5.78 $5.78

$2.15 $2.15

$8.68 $8.68

Potato (1kg)

$4.36 $4.36

$2.17 $2.17

$8.72 $8.72

Onion (1kg)

$4.38 $4.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.08 $3.08

$2.57 $2.57

$4.1 $4.1

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.31 $2.31

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.88 $10.88

$10.38 $10.38

$11.87 $11.87

Wine (Bottle)

$14.84 $14.84

$11.87 $11.87

$23.75 $23.75

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$1.45 $1.45

$2.89 $2.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.51 $1.51

$8.05 $8.05

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$52.3 $52.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.05 $4.05

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.78 $1.78

$3.81 $3.81

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.7 $29.7

$26.86 $26.86

$35.61 $35.61

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.86 $0.86

$0.77 $0.77

$0.92 $0.92

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.6K $29.6K

$23.3K $23.3K

$35.9K $35.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.4K $26.4K

$25.5K $25.5K

$26.8K $26.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$323 $323

$253 $253

$405 $405

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$66.7 $66.7

$30.32 $30.32

$202 $202

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$63.9 $63.9

$49.15 $49.15

$177 $177

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$25.03 $25.03

$10.01 $10.01

$40.05 $40.05

Cinema Ticket

$12.02 $12.02

$11.77 $11.77

$15.7 $15.7

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,486 $1,486

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.5K $23.5K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.3K $27.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$25.32 $25.32

$70.9 $70.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$31.98 $31.98

$24.6 $24.6

$39.36 $39.36

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$67.5 $67.5

$45.82 $45.82

$91.6 $91.6

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$82.5 $82.5

$44.56 $44.56

$124 $124

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,180 $2,180

$2,012 $2,012

$2,515 $2,515

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,573 $1,573

$1,180 $1,180

$1,967 $1,967

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,194 $4,194

$4,026 $4,026

$4,530 $4,530

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,394 $2,394

$2,194 $2,194

$2,494 $2,494

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,721 $2,721

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,974 $1,974

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,227 $5,227

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.45

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Portsmouth, NH - Frequently Asked Questions

Portsmouth offers a balanced mix of coastal charm and compact, walkable neighborhoods. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, value comes from a smaller city footprint with easy access to services, a slower pace than big metro areas, and abundant free or low-cost outdoor options. Housing tends to be more affordable than larger Northeast cities, while shops, dining, and culture stay high quality. Cost of Living in Portsmouth, NH, United States is favorable for those who want reliable infrastructure, safety, and a short commute. Tip: Start with a trial week in a central neighborhood to test tasks like coworking, groceries, and transit.

Portsmouth rewards practical planning. The city is compact enough to walk or bike most errands, with a handful of coworking spaces and coffee shops that offer reliable wifi. In housing, target neighborhoods near the waterfront or downtown for shorter commutes; you’ll find a mix of historic rentals and newer units. Groceries lean on local markets and familiar chain options, with seasonal produce a highlight. For transport, walking, cycling, and rideshares cover most needs, with occasional longer trips by rail or bus. Portsmouth, NH, United States living cost gives you a quick gauge for balancing rent with daily spending. Tip: Build a one-week test route across neighborhoods before committing.

Quality of life here rewards planning and flexibility. Use a simple budgeting framework that separates fixed costs (housing, utilities) from flexible ones (entertainment, dining, travel). Seasonal factors matter: summer crowds can affect pace, parking, and listings; shoulder seasons often offer quieter streets and better visibility for leases. To pick a neighborhood, test a few areas – downtown for walkability and nightlife, the West End for quieter residential streets, and the waterfront edge for outdoor access. Look for local libraries, parks, and free community events to stretch your budget. Tip: Start with short-term stays or month-to-month options to compare neighborhoods before signing a longer lease.