Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Manchester is 8% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $69,141 in Manchester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Hampshire salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manchester has a housing index of 140 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Manchester costs $350,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Manchester versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Manchester scores 105 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Manchester (112) are higher than Riverside (102).
Median household income in Manchester is $65,018 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Manchester.
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