Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Portland is 30% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,596/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 8%
$88,792/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 13%
$557,600 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 40%
$1,771/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 13%
642,715
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $11,377/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Manchester — common questions

Is Portland or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Manchester?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Manchester?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $11,377/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Hampshire?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Manchester

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City