Rent in Merrimack County, NH at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,974$23,688 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,800 (−8.8%)How much rent can you afford in Merrimack County, NH?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Merrimack County, NH by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,361 | $16,332 | $54,440 | $26.17/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,504 | $18,048 | $60,160 | $28.92/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,974 | $23,688 | $78,960 | $37.96/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,604 | $31,248 | $104,160 | $50.08/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,614 | $31,368 | $104,560 | $50.27/hr |
Cost of living in Merrimack County, NH: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Merrimack County, NH
Rent in Merrimack County, NH: common questions
How much is rent going down in Merrimack County, NH in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,800 for a two-bedroom, down 8.8% from $1,974. A one-bedroom goes from $1,504 to $1,376, a studio from $1,361 to $1,253.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Merrimack County, NH?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,504 for a one-bedroom and $1,974 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $23,688 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Merrimack County, NH?
To keep a $1,974 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $37.96 an hour, or $78,960 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,504 takes $28.92 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Merrimack County, NH?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,361, one bedroom $1,504, two $1,974, three $2,604 and four $2,614 a month.
Is rent affordable in Merrimack County, NH?
For the typical household, earning $97,004 a year ($8,084 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,974 takes 24.4% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,974 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $78,960. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $37.96 an hour.