Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Manchester is 24% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $57,097 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. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $350,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Long Beach scores 106 while Manchester scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Manchester.
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