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

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Manchester is 23% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,465/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 26%
$77,415/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 9%
$336,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 42%
$1,548/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 16%
115,415
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $7,202/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Santa Maria — common questions

Is Manchester or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $7,202/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton