Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Milwaukee is 37% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 42%
$51,888/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 49%
$172,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 96%
$1,082/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 43%
569,756
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $25,527/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Manchester — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Manchester?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Manchester?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $25,527/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New Hampshire?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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.
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