Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Hartford is 5% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $71,186 in Hartford.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Hartford scores 106 while Manchester scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Hartford.
Amazon affiliate links