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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Lancaster is 17% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,696/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 14%
$76,083/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 2%
$409,100 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 18%
$1,746/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 11%
170,013
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $1,332/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 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

Lancaster vs Manchester — common questions

Is Lancaster or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Manchester?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Manchester?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $1,332/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 Lancaster or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Manchester

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City