Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Boise is 10% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $67,373 in Boise.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boise scores 99 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boise.
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