Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Ann Arbor is 14% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,552/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 6%
$81,089/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 5%
$435,100 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 23%
$1,638/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 5%
121,179
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $3,674/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Manchester — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Manchester?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Manchester?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $3,674/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and New Hampshire?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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.
View Ann Arbor details → View Manchester details →

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