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

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Manchester is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,465/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 63%
$77,415/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 42%
$336,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 214%
$1,548/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 59%
115,415
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $930/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $11,160/year.

Median household income is $32,658/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Manchester or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $930/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $32,658/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and California?
New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Manchester or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Manchester and Costa Mesa

Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria