Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Huntsville is 23% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $57,839 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Huntsville scores 96 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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