RentData

Average Rent in Hillsborough County, NH Rents rising 7.0% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 424,732

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Hillsborough County, NH has rental prices ranging from $1,184/month to $2,405/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,192/month — 15% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $100,436/year, spending $1,192/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Hillsborough County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,564/month, Hillsborough County ranks #6 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in New Hampshire — pricier than 93% of all US cities in our data.

The Hillsborough County Rental Market

The Hillsborough County, NH area has a population of about 424,732 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Hillsborough County, NH have risen by $102/month (7.0%) over the past year, from $1,462 to $1,564. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Hillsborough County, NH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $47,680. The local median household income of $100,436 exceeds that threshold by $52,756, making Hillsborough County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Hillsborough County, NH has an unemployment rate of 3.0%, 0.9 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Hillsborough County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Piscataquog ($324,433 median home value), Downtown ($336,458 median home value), East Merrimack ($355,854 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,184
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,192
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,564
7.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,917
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,405
Affordable
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Is Hillsborough County, NH Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$62,560/year
Local median income: $100,436
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,564/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NHlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Portsmouth$1,475$1,517$1,961$2,429
Western Rockingham County$1,526$1,536$2,015$2,824
Manchester$1,336$1,485$1,948$2,347
Nashua$1,458$1,621$2,126$2,824
Merrimack County$1,120$1,230$1,614$2,132
Grafton County$1,104$1,156$1,516$2,019

Rent or Buy in Hillsborough County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Hillsborough County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,564/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,564/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Hillsborough County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Hillsborough County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Hillsborough County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NH

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⚖️Compare Hillsborough County

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📋NH Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections