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

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Richmond

California
161

Manchester is 55% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,465/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 29%
$77,415/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 16%
$336,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 93%
$1,548/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 30%
115,415
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $12,623/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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 Richmond — common questions

Is Manchester or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Richmond?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Richmond?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $12,623/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Richmond details →