Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Philadelphia is 20% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,323/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 11%
$60,698/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 28%
$232,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 45%
$1,233/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 26%
1,582,432
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $16,717/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Manchester — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Manchester?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Manchester?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $16,717/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Hampshire?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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