Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Seattle is 85% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,998/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 27%
$121,984/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 37%
$912,100 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 63%
$2,220/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 30%
741,440
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $44,569/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Manchester — common questions

Is Seattle or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Manchester?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Manchester?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $44,569/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Hampshire?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Manchester details →

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