Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Meridian is 24% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,714/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 15%
$98,686/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 22%
$485,000 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 31%
$1,607/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 4%
124,865
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $21,271/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Manchester — common questions

Is Meridian or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Manchester?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Manchester?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $21,271/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and New Hampshire?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Meridian details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Manchester

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City