Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Manchester and New Haven have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Hampshire salaries · Connecticut salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manchester has a housing index of 140 while New Haven sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Manchester costs $350,000 compared to $250,000 in New Haven, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Manchester versus $1,400 in New Haven.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Manchester scores 105 while New Haven scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Manchester (112) are lower than New Haven (114).
Median household income in Manchester is $65,018 compared to $42,158 in New Haven. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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