| Index | Manchester | Virginia | National |
| Cost of living | 109 | 111 | 100 |
| Groceries | 105 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 104 | 103 | 100 |
| Housing | 119 | 129 | 100 |
| Transportation | 105 | 105 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 104 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 110 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 111 | 109 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Manchester? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Manchester stands at 109, making it 9% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in Manchester aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Manchester residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
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 15.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 26.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Manchester boasting a median household income of $94,980, which is 16.8% higher than the national average.
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Manchester, the transportation index is 4.8% higher than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Manchester, is 18.7% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Manchester, healthcare costs are 3.5% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Manchester shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between 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 | $123,396 | $10,283 | $2,879 | $3,702 |
| Renters | $75,629 | $6,302 | $1,765 | $2,269 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Virginia | 5.3% | 6% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Virginia | 2% | 5.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Montrose, VA | 7,859 | 97 | 3.4% |
| Bensley, VA | 6,198 | 99 | 1.1% |
| Bellwood, VA | 8,080 | 100 | 0.1% |
| Sandston, VA | 7,053 | 101 | 0.9% |
| Highland Springs, VA | 15,404 | 99 | 1.0% |
| Manchester, VA | 12,121 | 109 | 9.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Little Chute, WI | 12,116 | 96 | 4.1% |
| Mackenzie County, AB | 12,113 | n/a | |
| Dent, OH | 12,130 | 104 | 4.0% |
| Emeryville, CA | 12,131 | 171 | 71.1% |
| Crossville, TN | 12,131 | 95 | 5.2% |
| Manchester, VA | 12,121 | 109 | 9.1% |
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