True Cost of Renting in Manchester, NH

Manchester is New Hampshire's largest city and the economic hub of the Granite State. The historic Millyard (former textile mill complex along the Merrimack River) has been transformed into offices, apartments, and restaurants. New Hampshire has no income tax and no sales tax, making the true take-home pay higher for Manchester residents than anywhere else in the Northeast. Eversource provides electricity.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Millyard / Downtown

Studio:
$1,100/mo
1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$2,000/mo

Manchester's revitalized downtown along the Merrimack River; brick mill buildings converted to apartments and offices. Eversource electric at NH rates (above national average but below MA or CT). Walk to the SNHU Arena (minor league hockey) and growing restaurant scene. Limited transit — car helpful.

West Side

Studio:
$900/mo
1 Bed:
$1,200/mo
2 Bed:
$1,700/mo

Residential neighborhoods west of Downtown; mix of apartment buildings and converted two-family homes. More affordable than Millyard area. MCAT bus service. Good access to I-293 and I-93 for regional commutes.

South Manchester / Amherst Street

Studio:
$1,000/mo
1 Bed:
$1,300/mo
2 Bed:
$1,800/mo

Southern Manchester along the commercial corridor; apartment complexes and suburban retail. Car required for most errands. Access to Route 101 east toward Portsmouth and south toward the Massachusetts border and Boston via I-93.

Utility Providers

Electric
Eversource Energy (New Hampshire)
Water
Manchester Water Works
Internet
Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Consolidated Communications

Commute & Transportation

Manchester has no rail transit — car ownership is essentially required. MCAT (Manchester Transit Authority) provides limited bus service. I-93 connects Manchester to Boston (55 miles south, 1 hour) and Concord (18 miles north). Route 101 connects east to Portsmouth. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) provides regional air service and is a Boston-area traveler alternative. Major employers: Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Health System (healthcare), BAE Systems (defense), Oracle, and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Rental Market Overview

Manchester's no-income-tax, no-sales-tax advantage is genuinely significant for Boston commuters. Working in Massachusetts but living in Manchester? NH residents pay no state income tax on earned income (NH taxes only dividends and interest). Eversource NH rates are higher than national average but lower than Massachusetts. New Hampshire has liberal landlord-tenant laws — relatively landlord-friendly. The I-93 Boston commute (1 hour off-peak) has attracted Boston workers seeking lower housing and tax costs. Renters insurance averages $13–18/month. New Hampshire heating costs (oil and natural gas) are meaningful — budget $150–300/month in winter for gas or oil heat.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Manchester

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Renting in Manchester: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Manchester?
One-bedroom apartments in Manchester range from $1,200/month in West Side to $1,400/month in Millyard / Downtown. Two-bedroom units range from $1,700 to $2,000/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Manchester?
In Manchester, electricity is provided by Eversource Energy (New Hampshire), water by Manchester Water Works, and common internet providers include Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Consolidated Communications. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Manchester?
West Side is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Manchester, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,200/month. Residential neighborhoods west of Downtown; mix of apartment buildings and converted two-family homes. More affordable than Millyard area. MCAT bus service. Good access to I-293 and I-93 for regional commutes. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Manchester expensive to rent in?
Manchester's no-income-tax, no-sales-tax advantage is genuinely significant for Boston commuters. Working in Massachusetts but living in Manchester? NH residents pay no state income tax on earned income (NH taxes only dividends and interest). Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Manchester — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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