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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Rochester is 42% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,039/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 41%
$46,628/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 66%
$120,600 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 179%
$1,009/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 53%
209,720
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $30,787/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% 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 61 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Manchester?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Manchester?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $30,787/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New York and New Hampshire?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Manchester

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City