Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Manchester is 34% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $49,719 in Manchester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $700,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Irvine scores 108 while Manchester scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Manchester.
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