Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Cary is 27% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,621/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 10%
$129,399/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 40%
$525,200 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 36%
$1,744/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 11%
176,686
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $51,984/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Manchester — common questions

Is Cary or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Manchester?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Manchester?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $51,984/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Hampshire?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Manchester details →

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