Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Manchester is 27% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $54,630 in Manchester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Manchester scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Manchester.
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