Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Des Moines is 34% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 39%
$63,966/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 21%
$183,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 83%
$1,137/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 36%
212,464
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $13,449/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Manchester — common questions

Is Des Moines or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Manchester?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Manchester?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $13,449/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Hampshire?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Manchester details →

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