Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Manchester is 20% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $59,797 in Manchester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boulder scores 107 while Manchester scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Manchester.
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