Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Athens is 22% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,162/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 26%
$51,655/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 50%
$271,800 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 24%
$1,163/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 33%
126,987
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $25,760/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Manchester — common questions

Is Athens or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Manchester?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Manchester?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $25,760/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New Hampshire?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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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