Is Manchester, NH cheaper or more expensive than Providence, RI?

Manchester, NH (RPP 108) is more expensive than Providence, RI (RPP 103.9) by about 3.9%.

What salary do I need in Manchester, NH if I earn $100,000 in Providence, RI?

You would need approximately $103,946 in Manchester, NH to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Providence, RI. Formula: $100,000 x (108 / 103.9).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Providence, RI or Manchester, NH?

For 2021-2022, Providence, RI had a net loss of 2,723 people, while Manchester, NH had a net gain of 58 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Providence, RI vs Manchester, NH: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Providence, RI and Manchester, NH. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Providence, RI

Overall RPP (US=100): 103.9
Housing RPP: 98.8
Goods RPP: 101.2
2-BR median rent: $1,693/mo

Rhode Island income tax 3.75%-5.99%.

Manchester, NH

Overall RPP (US=100): 108
Housing RPP: 132.5
Goods RPP: 101.6
2-BR median rent: $1,771/mo

New Hampshire has no income tax on wages.

Equivalent salary

Manchester, NH is more expensive than Providence, RI by about 3.9% (RPP 103.9 to 108).

$60,000 in Providence, RI

-> $62,368

in Manchester, NH

$100,000 in Providence, RI

-> $103,946

in Manchester, NH

$150,000 in Providence, RI

-> $155,919

in Manchester, NH

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: Providence, RI vs Manchester, NH

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Providence, RI

Net people: −2,723
Net rank: #38 of 65
Top origin share: 8%
Top destination share: 5%

Largest source: Plymouth County, MA. Largest destination: Plymouth County, MA.

Manchester, NH

Net people: +58
Net rank: #31 of 65
Top origin share: 19%
Top destination share: 14%

Largest source: Middlesex County, MA. Largest destination: Rockingham County, NH.

Rent delta: Manchester, NH is $78/mo higher for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Providence, RI. Housing RPP moves from 98.8 to 132.5.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Manchester, NH cheaper or more expensive than Providence, RI?: Manchester, NH (RPP 108) is more expensive than Providence, RI (RPP 103.9) by about 3.9%.
What salary do I need in Manchester, NH if I earn $100,000 in Providence, RI?: You would need approximately $103,946 in Manchester, NH to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Providence, RI. Formula: $100,000 x (108 / 103.9).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Providence, RI or Manchester, NH?: For 2021-2022, Providence, RI had a net loss of 2,723 people, while Manchester, NH had a net gain of 58 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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