Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Des Moines is 25% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $56,568 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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