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

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Downey

California
169

Manchester is 37% cheaper than Downey.

$1,465/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 29%
$77,415/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 13%
$336,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 117%
$1,548/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 29%
115,415
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $9,985/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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 Downey — common questions

Is Manchester or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Downey?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Downey?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $9,985/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Downey details →

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