Cost of Living: Manchester, NH vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Manchester is 83% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,465/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 33%
$77,415/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 33%
$336,300 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 64%
$1,548/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 37%
115,415
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $489/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $5,868/year.

Median household income is $25,245/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester vs Lansing — common questions

Is Manchester or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Lansing?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $489/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Lansing?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $25,245/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Michigan?
New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Manchester or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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