Moving from Worcester, MA to Manchester, NH
Moving from Worcester, MA to Manchester, NH covers 67 mi and about 1h 32m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
67 mi · 1h 32m by car · MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 3, I 495, I 290 |
| Major cities en route | Cambridge, Boston, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 134.22 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Worcester (102.523) and Manchester (105.657) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $430,112 vs $435,334 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 13°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 81°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 42.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 52.8 in of snowfall annually at Manchester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.33 |
Median household income in Manchester is 3.1% above Worcester ($67,544 → $77,415, ACS 2023).
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
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Manchester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 47.4°F in Manchester vs 48.1°F in Worcester (0.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 52.8 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 42.5 in vs 48.3 in.
Is Manchester more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 3.1% higher than Worcester (105.657 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Manchester, NH from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 67 mi and the route typically takes 1h 32m via US 3 and I 495. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 1.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 14.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 67 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Manchester, NH.