Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Boise is 6% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,359/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 8%
$81,308/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 5%
$456,000 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 26%
$1,337/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 16%
235,701
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $3,893/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Manchester — common questions

Is Boise or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Manchester?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Manchester?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $3,893/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and New Hampshire?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Manchester

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City