| Index | Manchester | New Hampshire | National |
| Cost of living | 111 | 110 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 105 | 104 | 100 |
| Housing | 128 | 125 | 100 |
| Transportation | 107 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 106 | 106 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 102 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 103 | 105 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Manchester is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Manchester is 111, which is 11% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
When it comes to the cost of living in Manchester, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 28.1% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 11 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Manchester. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 0% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 100% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.
Wondering if Manchester is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Manchester, for example, the median home price is 31.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 19.3% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Manchester boasting a median household income of $93,554, which is 15% higher than the national average.
Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Manchester, the utilities index registers 6.2% higher than the national average.
Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Manchester, the groceries index is 1.1% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Manchester, the standard sales tax rate starts at 0%, and the income tax rates commence at 4%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Manchester are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $129,179 | $10,765 | $3,014 | $3,876 |
| Renters | $66,761 | $5,563 | $1,558 | $2,003 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| New Hampshire | 0% | 0% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| New Hampshire | 4% | 4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Suncook, NH | 5,080 | 104 | 3.9% |
| Pinardville, NH | 4,863 | 106 | 6.3% |
| East Merrimack, NH | 4,959 | 108 | 8.3% |
| Raymond, NH | 3,923 | 110 | 9.6% |
| Goffstown, NH | 2,930 | 110 | 10.2% |
| Manchester, NH | 114,918 | 111 | 11.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Miami Gardens, FL | 114,672 | 112 | 11.8% |
| Antioch, CA | 115,196 | 149 | 49.3% |
| Peoria, IL | 115,301 | 93 | 7.1% |
| Everett, WA | 114,503 | 133 | 33.2% |
| Elgin, IL | 115,336 | 104 | 4.3% |
| Manchester, NH | 114,918 | 111 | 11.1% |
Here are the best places to live in New Hampshire
These are the largest cities in New Hampshire
Check out the 10 safest cities in New Hampshire
These are the 10 cheapest cities in New Hampshire