Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Columbus is 22% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,224/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 20%
$65,327/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 19%
$234,500 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 43%
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 25%
906,480
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $12,088/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Manchester — common questions

Is Columbus or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Manchester?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Manchester?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $12,088/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Hampshire?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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