Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Lexington is 23% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,101/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 33%
$67,631/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 14%
$272,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 24%
$1,160/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 33%
321,122
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $9,784/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Manchester — common questions

Is Lexington or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Manchester?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Manchester?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $9,784/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New Hampshire?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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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