Cost of Living: Manchester, NH vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Manchester

New Hampshire
106
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Manchester is 39% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,465/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 19%
$77,415/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 33%
$336,300 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 45%
$1,548/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 18%
115,415
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.86%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Manchester, NH and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $25,773/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Manchester is $336,300 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Manchester or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Manchester and Waterbury?
Median rent in Manchester is $1,465/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Manchester or Waterbury?
Median household income is $77,415 in Manchester and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $25,773/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Connecticut?
New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Manchester or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Manchester has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,465/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Manchester details → View Waterbury details →

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