Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Madison is 10% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $67,373 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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