Cost of Living in Manchester, NH - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,846 monthly including rent, or $1,225 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,087 with rent, or $2,045 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,329 including rent, or $2,864 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$27.65 $27.65
$18.10 $18.10
$40.22 $40.22
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$83.7 $83.7
$69.0 $69.0
$128 $128
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.21 $11.21
$9.17 $9.17
$12.22 $12.22
Cappuccino
$4.42 $4.42
$2.86 $2.86
$8.17 $8.17
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.42 $2.42
$1.76 $1.76
$3.24 $3.24
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.05 $2.05
$2.05 $2.05
$2.05 $2.05
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.06 $6.06
$4.04 $4.04
$10.09 $10.09
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.36 $7.36
$5.33 $5.33
$15.24 $15.24
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.01 $1.01
$0.71 $0.71
$1.37 $1.37
White Bread (500g)
$2.98 $2.98
$2.60 $2.60
$4.36 $4.36
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.70 $4.70
$2.32 $2.32
$8.60 $8.60
Eggs
$4.43 $4.43
$2.93 $2.93
$5.85 $5.85
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.71 $11.71
$7.84 $7.84
$17.92 $17.92
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.09 $11.09
$5.59 $5.59
$20.19 $20.19
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.24 $14.24
$10.82 $10.82
$30.30 $30.30
Apples (1kg)
$5.35 $5.35
$2.79 $2.79
$10.82 $10.82
Banana (1kg)
$2.12 $2.12
$1.07 $1.07
$4.39 $4.39
Oranges (1kg)
$4.33 $4.33
$3.25 $3.25
$8.67 $8.67
Tomato (1kg)
$6.09 $6.09
$3.32 $3.32
$11.04 $11.04
Potato (1kg)
$2.33 $2.33
$1.29 $1.29
$6.45 $6.45
Onion (1kg)
$3.18 $3.18
$1.78 $1.78
$6.70 $6.70
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.21 $2.21
$1.84 $1.84
$2.54 $2.54
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.31 $2.31
$0.99 $0.99
$3.94 $3.94
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.85 $9.85
$8.37 $8.37
$14.77 $14.77
Wine (Bottle)
$14.98 $14.98
$11.98 $11.98
$20.46 $20.46
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.93 $1.93
$1.45 $1.45
$3.62 $3.62
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.91 $4.91
$1.38 $1.38
$6.81 $6.81
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.96 $1.96
$1.96 $1.96
$3.91 $3.91
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$59.5 $59.5
$59.5 $59.5
$59.5 $59.5
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.96 $3.96
$3.96 $3.96
$3.96 $3.96
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.95 $0.95
$0.95 $0.95
$1.75 $1.75
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$30.39 $30.39
$30.39 $30.39
$30.39 $30.39
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.82 $0.82
$0.76 $0.76
$0.96 $0.96
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.6K $23.6K
$22.1K $22.1K
$25.2K $25.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.7K $25.7K
$23.9K $23.9K
$28.8K $28.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$217 $217
$84.6 $84.6
$298 $298
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$50.7 $50.7
$34.55 $34.55
$98.7 $98.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$83.4 $83.4
$49.44 $49.44
$138 $138
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.81 $42.81
$17.42 $17.42
$49.78 $49.78
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$39.53 $39.53
-
Cinema Ticket
$11.64 $11.64
$10.12 $10.12
$15.18 $15.18
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,243 $1,243
$490 $490
$2,103 $2,103
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$18.0K $18.0K
$9,997 $9,997
$50.0K $50.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.44 $43.44
$24.68 $24.68
$64.2 $64.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$44.80 $44.80
$19.91 $19.91
$74.7 $74.7
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$88.1 $88.1
$74.2 $74.2
$119 $119
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$113 $113
$74.7 $74.7
$159 $159
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,774 $1,774
$1,707 $1,707
$1,908 $1,908
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,485 $1,485
$1,188 $1,188
$1,683 $1,683
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,426 $2,426
$1,976 $1,976
$3,155 $3,155
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,260 $2,260
$1,965 $1,965
$2,947 $2,947
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,884 $2,884
$2,769 $2,769
$3,227 $3,227
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,977 $2,977
$2,921 $2,921
$3,220 $3,220
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,216 $4,216
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.24
6
6.7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,774 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,485 outside the center. At 42% of the average salary ($4,216), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,216, while typical expenses reach $2,846. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $4,269.

Expect to spend about $396 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $84.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $59.5 per month.

Cost Highlights

Meal at budget restaurant is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Internet is more expensive than 95% of cities in North America

Imported beer is more expensive than 95% of cities in North America

Manchester, NH Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Manchester, NH - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Manchester, NH compare in affordability, and who tends to find it good value compared with other New England towns?
Manchester, NH offers a balanced mix of housing options, walkable neighborhoods, and solid services, making it a practical choice for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want value without sacrificing comfort. In Cost of Living in Manchester, NH, United States you’ll find a range of apartment styles near the Millyard and downtown, plus family-friendly suburbs within easy reach of parks and schools. The rhythm stays manageable year-round, with everyday groceries, dining, and reliable infrastructure that support longer stays. Peak seasons can nudge prices higher, but the city remains approachable for different budgets. Tip: Map out a neighborhood loop and test commute times during rush and off-peak hours.
What does a typical day look like in Manchester, from housing search to groceries and transit, and how should you approach errands and coworking?
From your first week, housing options span compact rentals near the riverfront to larger homes in quiet neighborhoods. Start your search with online listings, then visit a few open houses to gauge space, light, and noise. Groceries offer a mix of national chains and local markets, with cooking at home usually cheaper than frequent dining out. Transport leans on a reliable bus network and walkable centers; biking is common in milder seasons. For coworking, you’ll find affordable, community-focused spaces near the core. Manchester, NH, United States living cost is a helpful benchmark as you budget. Tip: Try a 3-day test run to refine your plan.
How can you optimize quality of life on a budget, seasonal adjustments, and neighborhood fit in Manchester?
Quality of life here blends compact urban perks with easy access to nature. A practical budgeting framework is to track needs versus wants, using the 50/30/20 approach for housing, groceries, and fun. In winter, heating and utilities rise; in summer, you’ll lean on shade, air circulation, and local farmers markets for fresh food. Neighborhood fit matters: Downtown and North End offer walkable streets and nightlife, while West Side and surrounding towns skew more residential. Transit and bike-friendly routes can cut car costs. Tip: Schedule a neighborhood tour in different seasons to assess noise, parking, and safer routes.
What drives the high cost of living in Manchester, NH?
Living in Manchester, NH doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,846, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.
How expensive is daily life in Manchester, NH?
Budget at least $2,846 per month to live in Manchester, NH once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
How much should you earn to live well in Manchester, NH?
Earning $4,269 monthly in Manchester, NH means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the price of renting a flat in Manchester, NH?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Manchester, NH range from $1,485 to $1,774, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
What does commuting cost in Manchester, NH?
A monthly transit pass in Manchester, NH goes for roughly $59.5, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Manchester, NH?
Childcare averages $1,243 monthly at a private kindergarten in Manchester, NH. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Manchester, NH?
At $2,846 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,500 budget barely covers Manchester, NH. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
What makes Manchester, NH attractive for remote workers?
Remote workers pick Manchester, NH for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, all at about $2,846 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

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