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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Dayton is 53% cheaper than Manchester.

$866/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 69%
$43,454/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 78%
$93,200 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 261%
$833/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 86%
136,741
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $33,961/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 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

Dayton vs Manchester — common questions

Is Dayton or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Manchester?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Manchester?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $33,961/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 Dayton or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/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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