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Moving from California to New Hampshire

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs. vs. No income or sales tax, white mountains, libertarian streak.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

NH state flag
Moving to

New Hampshire

Capital: Concord

Median household income $90,845 · winter low 14°F · 197 sunny days

No income or sales tax, white mountains, libertarian streak.

New Hampshire has an overall price level 104.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
New Hampshire
104.2
New Hampshire has 5.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
New Hampshire
114.9
New Hampshire has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
California
102.7
New Hampshire
101.0
New Hampshire has 1.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
New Hampshire
100.6
New Hampshire has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
New Hampshire
26.9 ¢/kWh
New Hampshire has 19% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
New Hampshire
100.8
New Hampshire has 1.3% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
New Hampshire
$458,800
New Hampshire is 40% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$1,835/mo
New Hampshire
$1,250/mo
New Hampshire is 32% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 81°F · Winter low 14°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
New Hampshire
81°F
New Hampshire is 3.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
New Hampshire
14°F
New Hampshire is 69% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
New Hampshire
44°F
New Hampshire is 25% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
New Hampshire
197
New Hampshire has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
New Hampshire
47 in
New Hampshire is 82% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
California
68
New Hampshire
42
New Hampshire has 38% lower AQI
Snow / year
California
16 in
New Hampshire
78 in
New Hampshire is 388% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaNew Hampshire report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire than California?

New Hampshire's overall price level is roughly 105.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. New Hampshire tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Hampshire?

Most New Hampshire residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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