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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Salem and Manchester have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 11%
$71,900/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 8%
$382,400 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 12%
$1,440/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 8%
176,666
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $5,515/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 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

Salem vs Manchester — common questions

Is Salem or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Manchester?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Manchester?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $5,515/year higher in Manchester.
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 Salem or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Manchester details →

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