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City Report · NH

Manchester

Pop. 115,643·13th most expensive in New Hampshire·Manchester rents are up 7.5% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,058/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.5%
Month-over-Month
+0.6%
vs US Median
+$93
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Manchester · $2,058
More expensive than 62% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
62/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% below what Manchester's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,058/mo
Expected by trend
$2,194/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Manchester's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,415
1 BR
$1,550
2 BR
$2,030
3 BR
$2,520
4 BR+
$2,740
Research median
$2,030/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$24,696/yr
At $2,058/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.5% YoY, +0.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Manchester, NH is roughly split between renters and owners, 34% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
115,643
Median income
$81,007
Median age
38
Renters
51.3%
Age distribution
18%
27.7%
25.5%
13.3%
15.5%
Under 1818%
18–3427.7%
35–5425.5%
55–6413.3%
65+15.5%
Gender
49.8%
50.2%
Male49.8%
Female50.2%
Race & ethnicity
74.5%
13.8%
White74.5%
Black4.8%
Hispanic13.8%
Asian4.1%
Other2.8%
Education (25+)
29.8%
25.7%
34%
No HS diploma10.5%
HS diploma29.8%
Some college25.7%
Bachelor's+34%
Housing tenure
48.7%
51.3%
Owner48.7%
Renter51.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Manchester, NH has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,437 → $2,058
up 43.2%
Income
$66,929 → $81,007
up 21.0%
Population
114,730 → 115,643
up 0.8%
Renter share
53.4% → 51.3%
-2.1 pts
Bachelor's+
31.9% → 34%
+2.1 pts
Median age
36.9 → 38
+1.1 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Manchester, NH has increased from $1,437 to $2,058, a 43.2% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $66,929 to $81,007 across the same window, up 21.0% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 51.3% of households, compared with 53.4% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 34% of adults here, versus 31.9% in 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Manchester, NH look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about Manchester

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View Manchester rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Manchester on your salary?

At $2,058/mo, how Manchester rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Manchester rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Manchester. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Manchester

About renting in Manchester, NH

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Manchester is $2,058/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,415/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,030/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,550/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,520/mo.

At 30% of local median household income ($81,007/yr), Manchester ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Manchester an affordable city for renters?

Manchester is considered moderate for renters. At $2,058/mo, rent takes approximately 30% of the local median household income ($81,007/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Manchester slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Manchester?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $82,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,058/mo in Manchester. The local median household income is $81,007/yr, meaning the typical Manchester household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Manchester?

Rent in Manchester has increased 7.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Manchester neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Manchester are 03104 ($1,945/mo), 03103 ($2,019/mo), and 03102 ($2,040/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Manchester is $2,058/mo.

How does Manchester rent compare to other cities in New Hampshire?

Manchester is one of the more affordable cities in New Hampshire for rent, ranking #13 out of 18 tracked cities at $2,058/mo.

What percentage of Manchester residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 51.3% of Manchester households are renters, while 48.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Manchester has a strong rental market.

How does Manchester rent compare to the national average?

Manchester's median rent of $2,058/mo is $93 (5%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Hampshire, it ranks #13 out of 18 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
30%
MODERATE

At $2,058/mo, rent takes ~30% of Manchester's median household income ($81,007/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Manchester 30%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Manchester affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Manchester, NH

Recent submissions

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Recent discussions

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