Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Boston is 66% more expensive than Manchester.

$2,093/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 30%
$94,755/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 18%
$710,400 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 53%
$2,176/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 29%
663,972
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $17,340/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Manchester — common questions

Is Boston or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Manchester?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Manchester?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $17,340/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Hampshire?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Manchester details →

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