Average Rent in Hillsborough County, NH↑ Rents rising 7.0% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 424,732
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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in NHlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
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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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Hillsborough CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NHSee how Hillsborough County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Hillsborough CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋NH Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections