Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Newark is 6% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,330/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 10%
$48,416/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 60%
$337,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$336,300 ≈ Same
$1,419/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 9%
307,188
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $28,999/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Manchester — common questions

Is Newark or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Manchester?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Manchester?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $28,999/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Hampshire?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Manchester details →

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