Cost of living, taxes, and quality of life compared for 2026, with a verdict.
New Hampshire vs Vermont comes down to what you value. New Hampshire is the more affordable of the two, its cost of living runs about 9% lower than Vermont, so the same paycheck stretches further. New Hampshire ranks higher overall on our Best Life Rank (#2 vs #21), balancing cost against quality of life. New Hampshire is strongest on safety and weakest on climate; Vermont is strongest on safety and weakest on economy.
| Metric | New Hampshire | Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| BLISS score (cost) | 1.10 10% above average | 1.21 21% above average |
| Best Life Rank | #2 | #21 |
| Cost of living | #37 | #45 |
| Climate | #29 | #30 |
| Healthcare | #3 | #6 |
| Schools | #4 | #9 |
| Safety | #1 | #3 |
| Economy | #16 | #35 |
| Air quality | #3 | #7 |
Ranks are out of 50 states (#1 = best). BLISS score is a cost-of-living multiplier where 1.00 = the U.S. average; lower is cheaper. Green = the better of the two.
To live the way $100,000 does in New Hampshire, you'd need about $110,000 in Vermont.
To live the way $100,000 does in Vermont, you'd need about $91,000 in New Hampshire.
Based on each state's BLISS cost score. See your real after-tax paycheck in each state below.
On $80,000 a year, your estimated take-home pay is about $65,110 in New Hampshire and $62,291 in Vermont after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax.
Calculate your exact number with the New Hampshire paycheck calculator or the Vermont paycheck calculator.
Simplified 2026 estimate for a single filer taking the standard deduction, before local taxes, benefits, and credits.
Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after New Hampshire taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Vermont taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›New Hampshire is cheaper. Its cost of living is about 9% lower, reflected in a BLISS score of 1.10 versus 1.21. A lower BLISS score means your paycheck goes further.
On our Best Life Rank, which balances cost against climate, healthcare, schools, safety, economy and air quality, New Hampshire ranks higher (#2 vs #21). But 'better' depends on your priorities, New Hampshire leads on safety, and Vermont does not come out ahead on any of the six.
Because of the cost-of-living difference, $100,000 in New Hampshire is roughly equivalent to $110,000 in Vermont for the same lifestyle. See each state's real after-tax take-home pay with our paycheck guides linked above.