Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Elizabeth is 6% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,463/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ≈ Same
$63,874/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 21%
$393,500 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 15%
$1,543/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ≈ Same
135,887
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,541/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Manchester — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Manchester?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Manchester?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $13,541/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Hampshire?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Manchester

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City