Average Rent in Manchester, NH↑ Rents rising 6.4% YoY

Manchester, NH has rental prices ranging from $1,510/month to $2,849/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,657/month — 18% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $100,436/year, spending $1,657/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Manchester Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,168/month, Manchester ranks #3 most expensive of the 12 cities tracked in New Hampshire — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Manchester Rental Market

The Manchester, NH area has a population of about 424,732 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Manchester, NH have risen by $131/month (6.4%) over the past year, from $2,037 to $2,168. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Manchester, NH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $66,280. The local median household income of $100,436 exceeds that threshold by $34,156, making Manchester relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Manchester, NH is $434,476, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.7. With a break-even horizon of approximately 17 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Manchester's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Piscataquog ($307,702 median home value), Downtown ($327,425 median home value), North of Bridge ($363,707 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Manchester, NH Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Manchester?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Manchester

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.