Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Chicago is 9% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $68,008 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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