Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Rochester is 12% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,316/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 11%
$87,767/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 12%
$287,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 17%
$1,332/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 16%
121,638
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $10,352/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Manchester — common questions

Is Rochester or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Manchester?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Manchester?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $10,352/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New Hampshire?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/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 Rochester details → View Manchester details →

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