Cost of Living: Manchester, NH vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Manchester is 45% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,465/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 31%
$77,415/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 37%
$336,300 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 30%
$1,548/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 33%
115,415
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $28,879/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Manchester or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $28,879/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Alabama?
New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Manchester or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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