Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Springfield is 25% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 32%
$51,339/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 51%
$222,700 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 51%
$1,276/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 21%
154,751
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $26,076/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Manchester — common questions

Is Springfield or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Manchester?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Manchester?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $26,076/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Hampshire?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Manchester details →

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