Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Norfolk is 16% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,246/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 18%
$64,017/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 21%
$271,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 24%
$1,366/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 13%
235,037
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $13,398/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Manchester — common questions

Is Norfolk or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Manchester?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Manchester?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $13,398/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Hampshire?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Manchester

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City