Cost of Living: Manchester, NH vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Manchester is 11% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,465/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 9%
$77,415/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 2%
$336,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 17%
$1,548/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 8%
115,415
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.86%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $1,210/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester vs Lowell — common questions

Is Manchester or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Lowell?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Lowell?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $1,210/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Massachusetts?
New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Manchester or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Lowell details →

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