The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Keene

This guide strips away the hype. $100,000 is not a lifestyle; it is a set of numbers dictated by the IRS and the Keene rental market. Here is the reality of your purchasing power.

1. The Verification Test

First, we determine what you actually take home. The "sticker price" of your salary is irrelevant.

• Nominal Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est.): -$14,368
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• NH State Income Tax: -$0 (NH taxes interest & dividends only; W-2 wages are exempt)
• Estimated Net Pay (Annual): $77,982
• Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): $6,498

Note: This estimate assumes standard deduction and no 401(k) contributions. Pre-tax deductions (health insurance, retirement) will lower your taxable income but reduce your immediate monthly cash flow.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using your monthly net pay of $6,498, here is how the standard budgeting rule applies to Keene.

Needs (50%): ~$3,249

• Rent (1BR Market Avg): $1,200 - $1,450
• Utilities (Electric/Heat/Internet): $250 - $350
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance: $500
• Remaining Buffer: ~$750

Wants (30%): ~$1,949

• Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, shopping.
• Reality Check: If you spend $1,400 on rent, this category shrinks to $1,549.

Savings (20%): ~$1,299

• Emergency fund, investments, or debt repayment.

3. Keene Tax Context

New Hampshire is a "Low Tax" state, but the definition matters.

• Vs. High-Tax (CA/NY): You are saving $5,000 - $7,000 annually compared to a similar salary in California or New York City.
• Vs. No-Tax (TX/FL): You are effectively equal on income tax. However, NH has some of the highest property tax rates in the country. If you own a home, NH will cost significantly more than Texas or Florida.

Verdict: NH protects your wages, but taxes your property.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a solid upper-middle-class income for a single earner. You will live comfortably, but you are not "wealthy." You will likely budget carefully for major expenses.

"Local income tax?"
None. Keene does not levy a local income tax. You pay only what the state and federal government demand.

"Why is the rent listed as $None?"
Because the user input requested this specific placeholder. In the real market, expect to pay $1,200+ for a standard 1BR.