Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Fairfield is 58% more expensive than Manchester.

$2,191/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 33%
$102,321/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 24%
$592,500 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 43%
$2,226/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 30%
119,985
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $726/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $8,712/year.

Median household income is $24,906/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Manchester — common questions

Is Fairfield or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Manchester?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $726/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Manchester?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $24,906/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between California and New Hampshire?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Manchester details →

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