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Cost of Living in Portsmouth City

Is it better to rent or buy in Portsmouth City? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$62,356
$1,367/mo

Median in area: $1,367

$246,806

Median in area: $246,806

$49,361

If you Rent

🔑
$1,576 /mo
Base Rent$1,367
Est. Utilities$209
% of Income30.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,620

If you Buy

🏠
$1,901 /mo
P&I (7.174%)$1,337
Taxes & Ins$355
Est. Utilities$209
% of Income36.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,296

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Portsmouth City stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Portsmouth City?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Portsmouth City. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,576, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,901 per month (a difference of $325).

How much do utilities cost in Portsmouth City?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Portsmouth City is approximately $209. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Portsmouth City?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Portsmouth City without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $63,040 per year.