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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Jersey City is 40% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,902/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 23%
$94,813/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 18%
$534,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 37%
$2,006/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 23%
289,691
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $17,398/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 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

Jersey City vs Manchester — common questions

Is Jersey City or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Manchester?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Manchester?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $17,398/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Manchester details →

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