Cost of Living in Manchester, NH

With a cost of living index of 109, Manchester, NH is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 9% more expensive than the national average and 7% above the New Hampshire state average of 102. As a major city with a population of 115,415, Manchester offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Manchester's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,465 (11% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $336,300 (10% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Manchester is $77,415, which is 3% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Manchester. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.1°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches spread over roughly 130 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Manchester-Nashua, NH (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.