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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Mobile is 38% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,029/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 42%
$51,090/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 52%
$170,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 97%
$1,016/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 52%
185,097
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $26,325/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Manchester — common questions

Is Mobile or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Manchester?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Manchester?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $26,325/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Hampshire?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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 Mobile details → View Manchester details →

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