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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

New Haven is 10% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,442/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 2%
$53,771/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 44%
$249,000 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 35%
$1,520/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 2%
132,893
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,644/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Manchester — common questions

Is New Haven or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Manchester?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Manchester?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $23,644/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and New Hampshire?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Manchester

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City