Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Aurora is 6% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,535/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 5%
$90,109/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 14%
$260,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 29%
$1,591/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 3%
179,867
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $12,694/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Manchester — common questions

Is Aurora or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Manchester?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Manchester?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $12,694/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Hampshire?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/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 Aurora details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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