Manchester, NH Utility & Living Guide

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Manchester, NH Utility & Living Guide

Manchester is a city in the eponymous county of Greater Manchester in North West England. It had a population of over 589,000 in 2024. It borders the Cheshire Plain to the south, the Pennines to the north and east, and the city of Salford to the west. The two cities and the surrounding towns form on

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$380/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
COL Index118 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
📷 Live Cameras — Manchester
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🌤️ Live Weather — Manchester
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Manchester
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

Liberty Utilities
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Manchester Water Works
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Manchester Solid Waste Department
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$380/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

Manchester’s housing market is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the Northeast, with a mix of older and newer homes, apartments, and condos available. The city is seeing a surge in new development, particularly in the downtown area. However, prices are rising as the city becomes more popular

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.8%
<p>No state sales tax, but there may be local option taxes or fees</p>

New Hampshire has no state income tax, but there may be taxes on certain types of investment income

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, and public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Manchester's public transit system is relatively accessible, with some bus routes and a downtown area that is walkable and stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Currier Museum of Art
  • 🎯
    McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
  • 🎯
    Livingston Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The North End and Downtown areas are popular with families, offering a mix of older and newer homes, parks, and amenities. The West Side is also a desirable area, with a more suburban feel and easy access to outdoor recreation

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📊 Manchester — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Manchester can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher costs in the winter due to heating and lower costs in the summer. However, the city's relatively mild climate means that air conditioning costs are not as high as in other parts of the country

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 20-30, with some local surtaxes specific to Hillsborough County

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 8/10: Manchester has good sidewalk quality, park access, and elevator access in transit, but could improve on family infrastructure such as changing tables and nursing rooms

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