Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Houston is 17% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,313/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 12%
$62,894/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 23%
$253,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 33%
$1,316/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 18%
2,300,419
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $14,521/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Manchester — common questions

Is Houston or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Manchester?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Manchester?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $14,521/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Hampshire?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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