March 14th, or 3/14, is Pi Day—a day to celebrate the famous mathematical constant π (pi). While some may mark the occasion with actual pies, at the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, we are taking the opportunity to highlight some of our favorite pie charts that illustrate just a few of the economic challenges facing Granite Staters.

The Cost of Living in New Hampshire

One major concern for many New Hampshire residents is the high cost of living, especially for working families. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator, a single working adult with one child in New Hampshire would need $93,451 per year to cover basic expenses. The statewide breakdown of these costs (shown in the pie chart below) highlight some of the largest financial burdens families face.

As you can see, Housing ($21,842) is the single biggest expense, making up nearly a quarter of the total budget. Child care ($15,947) is another major financial challenge for working parents. Transportation ($12,570), taxes ($11,625), and medical costs ($8,026) further add to financial pressures. Expenses like food ($6,741) and internet and mobile services ($1,706) add up quickly, leaving less room for savings or unexpected emergencies.

Housing Costs Are a Major Burden for Renters

We can see from the pie chart above that the cost of housing is a major challenge for Granite Staters, particularly for renters. In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows that more than half of all renter households in the state—51 percent—are considered “cost-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities.

As you can see in the chart, about 51 percent of renters pay more than 30% of their income toward housing, making it difficult to afford other necessities. About 27 percent of renters allocate between 20 percent and 30 percent of their income to rent and utilities, and only 22 percent of renters in New Hampshire pay less than 20 percent of their income on these housing costs, a level generally considered affordable.

What These Pie Charts Mean for New Hampshire

The data are clear—affording a basic standard of living in New Hampshire is challenging. With high housing costs, child care expenses, and transportation taking up a significant portion of household incomes, many Granite Staters are struggling to make ends meet.

On this Pi Day, as we celebrate the beauty of mathematics, let’s also use the power of data to highlight the economic realities facing New Hampshire residents. These numbers offer important insights into the challenges many families and particularly renters navigate every day. At NHFPI, we remain committed to analyzing these issues and providing research that informs discussions about how to build a more affordable and sustainable future for everyone in the Granite State.

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