Cost of Living: Manchester, NH vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Manchester is 74% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,465/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 35%
$77,415/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 15%
$336,300 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 54%
$1,548/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 37%
115,415
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $11,878/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester vs Springfield — common questions

Is Manchester or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Springfield?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Springfield?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $11,878/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Illinois?
New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Manchester or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Manchester and Springfield

Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces