Cost of Living in Merrimack County, NH

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Merrimack County? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — New Hampshire levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,974/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Merrimack County metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $39,071, or roughly $3,256 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Merrimack County represents approximately 34% of gross income. That exceeds the conventional 30% guideline, meaning housing takes a significant share of the budget at this income level. New Hampshire's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.