Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Detroit is 25% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $56,568 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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