City Comparison
Claremont vs Keene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Keene scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Claremont
Keene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Claremont is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Keene.
Housing costs are a major driver: Claremont's average rent is
19% lower than Keene's.
| Metric | Claremont | Keene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $1,550 | -19% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $210 | $200 | +5% |
| Transport | $130 | $50 | +160% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $95 | +153% |
| Monthly Total | $2,250 | $2,295 | -2% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Keene offers 16% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Keene delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Claremont is estimated at
$48,000 vs $65,000 in Keene.
| Metric | Claremont | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $63,960 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,696 idx | 71,067 idx |
| Household Income | $58,500 | $78,445 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Claremont runs warmer on average — a 46.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Claremont comes out ahead with 247 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Claremont sees 43.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Claremont | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 12.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 43.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 247 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Claremont scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Claremont leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Claremont | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 47.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Keene is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Claremont.
From a growth perspective, Claremont is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Keene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Claremont | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,949 | 23,036 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.30% | 0.07% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 37.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 2.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Claremont
Advantages
Median home prices remain significantly lower than the New Hampshire state average per US Census data.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities along the Sugar River and Moody Park.
Rich historic character featuring preserved 19th-century mill architecture.
Proximity to the Upper Valley employment and educational hubs.
Tight-knit community feel with active local civic engagement.
Drawbacks
Higher winter heating and utility costs during harsh New Hampshire winters.
Limited public transportation options necessitate car ownership.
Job growth locally is slower compared to southern regions of the state.
Poverty rates in the city are slightly higher than the state average per Census data.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options within city limits.
Keene
Advantages
Strong community feel and access to nature, including proximity to Mount Monadnock.
Lower cost of living compared to the national average and major New England cities.
Low violent crime rates, contributing to a high sense of safety and security.
Well-preserved historic downtown with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Access to higher education institutions like Keene State College and Antioch University New England.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is moderate to high, with limited public transportation options.
Job market growth may be moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall.
Median household income is below the national average.
Some residents note challenges with property crime and addiction issues.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Claremont
#340New Hampshire, USA
60.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
247/yr
Avg Temp
46.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.30%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
73
Business
65
Keene
#279New Hampshire, USA
61.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$63,960
Cost Index
90
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
47.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
75
Business
65
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