Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Surprise is 19% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,917/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 24%
$93,371/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 17%
$396,000 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 15%
$1,587/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 2%
149,519
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $15,956/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Manchester — common questions

Is Surprise or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Manchester?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Manchester?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $15,956/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Hampshire?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Manchester

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City