Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Alexandria is 67% more expensive than Manchester.

$2,031/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 28%
$113,638/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 32%
$696,800 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 52%
$2,173/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 29%
156,788
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $36,223/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Manchester — common questions

Is Alexandria or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Manchester?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Manchester?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $36,223/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Hampshire?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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