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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Pasadena is 108% more expensive than Manchester.

$2,218/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 34%
$103,778/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 25%
$1,045,000 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 68%
$2,340/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 34%
136,462
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $753/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $9,036/year.

Median household income is $26,363/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Manchester — common questions

Is Pasadena or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Manchester?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $753/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Manchester?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $26,363/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Manchester

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City