Moving from Boston, MA to Manchester, NH
Relocating between Boston, MA and Manchester, NH is a 54 mi drive — 1h 11m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
54 mi · 1h 11m by car · MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 93, US 1, MA 3 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 134.22 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 108.266 vs 105.657 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.4% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $798,217 to $435,334 moving to Manchester.
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 13°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 81°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 42.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Boston (51.9°F) and Manchester (47.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Manchester averages 52.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.33 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.4% lower in Manchester than Boston.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between Massachusetts and New Hampshire
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Hampshire's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Manchester averages 52.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Hampshire after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Manchester more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 2.4% lower than Boston (105.657 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $94,755 in Boston — a 18.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Manchester, NH from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 54 mi and the route typically takes 1h 11m via I 93 and US 1. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boston to Manchester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 54 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Boston and Manchester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 47.4°F in Manchester vs 51.9°F in Boston (4.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 52.8 in vs 49.2 in. Annual precipitation: 42.5 in vs 43.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $798,217 in Boston — a 45.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Manchester, NH.