City Comparison
Concord vs Keene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Concord scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Concord
Keene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Keene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Concord.
| Metric | Concord | Keene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,550 | +6% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $195 | $200 | -3% |
| Transport | $130 | $50 | +160% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $95 | +153% |
| Monthly Total | $2,635 | $2,295 | +15% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Concord offers 6% higher 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 Concord is estimated at
$54,000 vs $65,000 in Keene.
| Metric | Concord | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $63,960 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,385 idx | 71,067 idx |
| Household Income | $78,500 | $78,445 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Concord runs warmer on average — a 47.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Concord comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Concord sees 39.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Concord | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 13.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 39.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Concord scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Concord leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Concord | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 47.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Concord is the larger city
— approximately 1.9x the population of Keene.
From a growth perspective, Concord 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 | Concord | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,976 | 23,036 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.07% |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 37.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Concord
Advantages
Strategic location at the intersection of I-93 and I-89 offers easy access to Boston, the White Mountains, and the coast.
No broad-based state income tax or general sales tax under New Hampshire state law.
Vibrant, walkable downtown featuring independent shops, local dining, and the Capitol Center for the Arts.
Strong employment stability driven by state government administration and Concord Hospital.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including local parks, trail systems, and proximity to the Merrimack River.
Drawbacks
Heavy reliance on property taxes to fund municipal services can result in high property tax burdens.
Cold, snowy New England winters require higher seasonal heating and property maintenance costs.
Competitive housing market with limited inventory driving up purchase prices and rental rates.
Limited public mass transit options within the city, necessitating a high reliance on personal vehicles.
Pollen and seasonal allergy seasons can be severe for sensitive individuals during spring and summer.
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.
Concord
#203New Hampshire, USA
63.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
47.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
77
Business
71
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Concord and Keene.
Open Cost Calculator