Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Hampton is 17% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,346/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 9%
$67,758/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 14%
$234,100 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 44%
$1,347/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 15%
137,334
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $9,657/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Manchester — common questions

Is Hampton or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Manchester?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Manchester?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $9,657/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Hampshire?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Manchester details →

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