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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Tacoma is 19% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,597/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 8%
$83,857/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 8%
$454,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 26%
$1,747/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 11%
220,482
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $6,442/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Manchester — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Manchester?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Manchester?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $6,442/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Manchester details →

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