Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Modesto is 13% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,609/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 9%
$77,899/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,415/yr ≈ Same
$415,600 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 19%
$1,613/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 4%
218,614
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $484/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Manchester — common questions

Is Modesto or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Manchester?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Manchester?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $484/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and New Hampshire?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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