Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Mesa is 16% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $62,924 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Hampshire salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manchester has a housing index of 140 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Manchester costs $350,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Manchester versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manchester scores 105 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Manchester (112) are higher than Mesa (95).
Median household income in Manchester is $65,018 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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