Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Asheville is 8% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $68,644 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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