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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Richmond is 8% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,314/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 11%
$62,671/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 24%
$328,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 2%
$1,374/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 13%
227,595
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $14,744/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 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

Richmond vs Manchester — common questions

Is Richmond or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Manchester?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Manchester?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $14,744/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 Richmond or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Manchester

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City