Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Manchester, NH?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 24.8% cheaper than Manchester, NH. This translates to saving $1858 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Manchester, NH?

If you earn $150,000 in Manchester, NH, you'd need approximately $127,700.457 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Manchester, NH and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 39.9% cheaper than in Manchester, NH. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,486/month in Manchester, NH.

How much can I save per month by moving from Manchester, NH to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Manchester, NH to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1858 per month, or $22300 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Manchester, NH vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Manchester, NH — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Manchester, NH

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,858

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Manchester, NH

Population:115K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$436K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$512K

Manchester, NH

The Live Free or Die State

115K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in New Hampshire, this city has a population of 115K residents.

💡 Advantage: New Hampshire has no state income tax!

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Manchester, NH vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Manchester, NH	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,109/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,640less	39.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,584/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $300less	18.9%
📦Other	$1,579/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $128more	8.1%
⚡All Utilities	$666/mo	$546/mo	↓ $119less	17.9%
🏥Healthcare	$692/mo	$601/mo	↓ $90.67less	13.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,004/mo	$959/mo	↓ $44.68less	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 39.9%

Manchester, NH

$4,109

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,640

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.9%

Manchester, NH

$1,584

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$300

less

📦Other

↑ 8.1%

Manchester, NH

$1,579

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$128

⚡All Utilities

↓ 17.9%

Manchester, NH

$666

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$119

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.1%

Manchester, NH

$692

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$90.67

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.5%

Manchester, NH

$1,004

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$44.68

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,023

To$1,570

↑ $547

1 Bed

From$1,133

To$1,640

↑ $507

2 Bed

From$1,486

To$1,800

↑ $314

3 Bed

From$1,876

To$2,255

↑ $379

Manchester, NHZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$2,090/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,634

Monthly in Manchester, NH

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,067

Difference

Home Values

Manchester

Raleigh

$436K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +48.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$406K - $464K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 17% more expensive than Manchester

Calculate payment - Manchester Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Manchester, NH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Hampshire State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Manchester, NH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:1.9%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.