Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Providence is 7% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,333/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 10%
$66,772/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 16%
$322,800 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 4%
$1,467/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 6%
190,214
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $10,643/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Manchester — common questions

Is Providence or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Manchester?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Manchester?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $10,643/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and New Hampshire?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Manchester details →

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