Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Rochester is 20% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $59,746 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Hampshire salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manchester has a housing index of 140 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Manchester costs $350,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Manchester versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Manchester scores 105 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Manchester (112) are higher than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Manchester is $65,018 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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