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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Fresno is 5% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,324/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 11%
$66,804/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 16%
$348,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 4%
$1,391/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 11%
543,615
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $10,611/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Manchester — common questions

Is Fresno or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Manchester?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Manchester?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $10,611/year higher in Manchester.
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 Fresno or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Manchester details →

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