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Moving from New Hampshire to California

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

NH state flag
Living now

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.

CA state flag
Moving to

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.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Hampshire
104.2
California
110.7
California has 6.3% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Hampshire
114.9
California
154.3
California has 34% higher housing costs
Groceries index
New Hampshire
98.6
California
106.1
California has 7.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Hampshire
100.6
California
101.6
California has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
New Hampshire
27.2 ¢/kWh
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
California has 29% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Hampshire
100.8
California
102.1
California has 1.3% higher transportation
Median home value
New Hampshire
$458,800
California
$759,500
California is 66% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Hampshire
$1,558/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 35% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Hampshire
81°F
California
84°F
California is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
New Hampshire
14°F
California
45°F
California is 221% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Hampshire
44°F
California
59°F
California is 33% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Hampshire
197
California
258
California has 31% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Hampshire
47 in
California
26 in
California is 45% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Hampshire
42
California
56
California has 33% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
New Hampshire
0
California
302
Snow / year
New Hampshire
78 in
California
16 in
California is 79% less annual snowfall

Get the full New HampshireCalifornia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than New Hampshire?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.4 for New Hampshire, 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?

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

How long do I have to register my vehicle in California?

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

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