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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Worcester and Manchester have a similar cost of living.

$1,415/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 4%
$67,544/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 15%
$339,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$336,300 ≈ Same
$1,521/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 2%
205,501
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $9,871/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 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

Worcester vs Manchester — common questions

Is Worcester or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Manchester?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Manchester?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $9,871/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 Worcester or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Manchester details →

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