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

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Syracuse is 47% cheaper than Manchester.

$998/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 47%
$45,845/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 69%
$125,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 169%
$980/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 58%
146,211
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $31,570/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 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

Syracuse vs Manchester — common questions

Is Syracuse or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Manchester?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Manchester?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $31,570/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 Syracuse or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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.
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