Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Nashua and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Using New Hampshire's 2.09% property tax rate and $1,400/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Nashua edges out Portsmouth in affordability, saving you roughly $1,483/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 Nashua saves you approximately $1,483/month ($17,796/year) compared to Portsmouth, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Nashua is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $435K versus $625K in Portsmouth. That's $190K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $15K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Nashua, compared to $22K in Portsmouth. New Hampshire offers the NHHFA Home Flex Plus program (Up to $20,000 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Nashua has the better price-to-rent ratio at 20.7x versus 24.2x in Portsmouth. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Nashua is $1,750/month on a $435K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Nashua (pop. 91,322) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Portsmouth (pop. 22,158) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Nashua offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.