Retire by state
Retiring in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers mountains, lakes, and no income or sales tax, with some of the highest property taxes in the country.
A fit if
People who want four seasons, mountain and lake scenery, and a state with no income or sales tax.
Hard look if
Long cold winters and very high property taxes are the trade-offs that come with the no-income-tax appeal.
Figures verified May 31, 2026.
Cost of living
104
BEA index, U.S. = 100
State income tax
None
No broad income tax
Social Security
Not taxed
2026 state treatment
How the plan models New Hampshire
The state lines the calculator actually changes.
These are the assumptions the planner applies for New Hampshire. They are blended, middle-bracket planning figures, not a tax return. Exemptions, county rules, and your own income mix can move the real number.
Cost of living
104
BEA regional price parities put New Hampshire about 4.2% above the U.S. average cost level. The U.S. average is 100.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesState income tax
None
New Hampshire has no broad state income tax, but property tax, insurance, sales tax, vehicle costs, and local prices still belong in the plan. AARP lists New Hampshire among states that do not tax IRA and 401(k) distributions in the summary used here.
Tax FoundationSocial Security
Not taxed
New Hampshire does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here.
AARP / IRS Pub. 915Property tax
2.2%
Property tax is local, but the New Hampshire state-level planning rate used here is 2.2% of home value. On a $350,000 home, that is about $7,600 a year before county detail.
Tax FoundationSales tax
0%
Tax Foundation lists New Hampshire with no broad state or average local sales tax in its 2026 combined-rate table.
Tax FoundationVehicle costs
Check cars
Vehicle costs need a separate check in New Hampshire because value-based vehicle taxes or registration-linked property taxes can show up in the car budget.
FreeTaxUSA vehicle-tax guideLong-term care in New Hampshire
The care cliff, in New Hampshire dollars.
CareScout and Genworth 2025 median costs, compared with the national median. Long-term care is a separate planning layer from ordinary Medicare costs.
Assisted living
$8,025/mo
About $96,300 a year, 29% higher than the national median.
Nursing home (semi-private)
$12,243/mo
About $146,913 a year, 28% higher than the national median.
Home caregiver
$7,627/mo
About $91,520 a year, 14% higher than the national median.
Things to do in New Hampshire
What daily life can look like.
Roam the White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest spans more than 1,200 square miles of wilderness, waterfalls, and trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. The U.S. Forest Service manages a wide variety of recreation for different ability levels.
U.S. Forest ServiceDrive the Kancamagus Scenic Byway
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway runs through the White Mountains and is one of the most scenic routes in the state, especially during fall foliage. The drive lets people take in the colors and overlooks without hiking.
U.S. Forest ServiceSee the fall foliage up close
New Hampshire is a classic place to watch autumn colors, with hiking trails and scenic drives across the White Mountains. Shorter hikes near Crawford Notch and other notches give big views for modest effort.
Visit White MountainsWhat to know about New Hampshire
The trade-offs worth weighing.
No income tax, and the dividends tax is gone
New Hampshire has no broad income tax or sales tax, and its tax on interest and dividends was repealed for tax periods beginning after December 31, 2024. The state revenue department confirms the interest and dividends tax is now repealed.
New Hampshire Department of Revenue AdministrationProperty taxes are among the highest
The trade-off for no income or sales tax is that New Hampshire has one of the highest property tax rates in the country. Retirees on a fixed income should price out the annual property tax on any home they consider.
Blueprint IncomeWinters are long and cold
New England winters bring cold, snow, and ice that last for months, especially in the mountains. People who enjoy winter sports may welcome it, while others should weigh heating costs and the effort of snow season.
Weighing two states?
Put New Hampshire next to another state.
Compare cost of living, taxes, Social Security treatment, property and sales tax, and long-term-care costs side by side.
Common questions
Retiring in New Hampshire, answered.
Does New Hampshire tax retirement income?
New Hampshire does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here. AARP lists New Hampshire among states that do not tax IRA and 401(k) distributions in the summary used here. New Hampshire has no broad state income tax, but property tax, insurance, sales tax, vehicle costs, and local prices still belong in the plan.
AARP: how states tax retirement incomeIs New Hampshire cheaper or more expensive than average?
BEA regional price parities put New Hampshire about 4.2% above the U.S. average cost level. That price level is the first reason a national retirement number needs a New Hampshire translation.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesWhat does long-term care cost in New Hampshire?
In the CareScout and Genworth 2025 medians, New Hampshire assisted living runs about $96,300 a year (29% higher than the national median) and a semi-private nursing-home room about $146,913 a year (28% higher than the national median).
CareScout / Genworth Cost of CareDoes New Hampshire tax retirement income?
Largely no. New Hampshire has no broad income tax or sales tax, and it repealed its interest and dividends tax effective for periods beginning after December 31, 2024. The main offset is that property taxes here are among the highest in the country.
New Hampshire Department of Revenue AdministrationSources
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