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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Tempe is 13% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,623/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 10%
$77,643/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,415/yr ≈ Same
$421,900 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 20%
$1,554/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ≈ Same
186,419
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $228/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Manchester — common questions

Is Tempe or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Manchester?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Manchester?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $228/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Manchester details →

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