Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Keene and Laconia, New Hampshire. Using New Hampshire's 2.09% property tax rate and $1,400/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Keene edges out Laconia in affordability, saving you roughly $234/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in New Hampshire, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses New Hampshire's 2.09% property tax rate.
Buying in Keene saves you approximately $234/month ($2,808/year) compared to Laconia, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Keene is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $315K versus $345K in Laconia. That's $30K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $11K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Keene, compared to $12K in Laconia. New Hampshire offers the NHHFA Home Flex Plus program (Up to $20,000 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Keene has the better price-to-rent ratio at 19.0x versus 20.2x in Laconia. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Keene is $1,380/month on a $315K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Keene (pop. 23,409) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Laconia (pop. 17,218) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Keene offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.