City Report · NH

Merrimack

·6th most expensive in New Hampshire·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,552/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.3%
Month-over-Month
-2.7%
vs US Median
+$590
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Merrimack · $2,552
More expensive than 81% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
51/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Merrimack's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$2,552/mo
Expected by trend
$2,561/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Merrimack's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,670
1 BR
$1,850
2 BR
$2,430
3 BR
$3,230
4 BR+
$3,430
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,430/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,552 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$30,624/yr
At $2,552/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.3% YoY, -2.7% MoM), not inventory.
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2023 vs 2026

How Merrimack, NH has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,275 → $2,552
up 12.2%

Across the past five years, the going rent in Merrimack, NH has shifted from $2,275 to $2,552, up 12.2% since 2023. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Merrimack, NH reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Merrimack rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Merrimack on your salary?

At $2,552/mo, how Merrimack rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Merrimack rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Merrimack. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Merrimack

About renting in Merrimack, NH

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Merrimack is $2,552/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,670/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,430/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,850/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,230/mo.

At 43% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Merrimack ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Merrimack an affordable city for renters?

Merrimack is considered stretched for renters. At $2,552/mo, rent takes approximately 43% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Merrimack significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Merrimack?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $102,000/year (~$49/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,552/mo in Merrimack.

Is rent going up or down in Merrimack?

Rent in Merrimack has increased 4.3% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Merrimack rent compare to other cities in New Hampshire?

Merrimack is one of the pricier cities in New Hampshire for rent, ranking #6 out of 19 tracked cities at $2,552/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Merrimack?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Merrimack ($2,552/mo): Manchester ($2,083/mo), Nashua ($2,271/mo), Derry ($2,366/mo).

How does Merrimack rent compare to the national average?

Merrimack's median rent of $2,552/mo is $590 (30%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within New Hampshire, it ranks #6 out of 19 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
43%
STRETCHED

At $2,552/mo, rent takes ~43% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Merrimack 43%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near Merrimack, NH

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