Manchester vs. Concord, NH: Which City is Right for Your Move?

Choosing between New Hampshire’s commercial capital and its political capital is more than a simple price comparison. Manchester and Concord sit just 18 miles apart, yet each delivers a distinct pulse, housing mix, and career landscape.

This side-by-side guide keeps the data intact—costs, crime, commutes—so you can weigh which address aligns with your priorities.

Manchester vs. Concord At A Glance

While only 18 miles apart, Manchester and Concord are fundamentally different in scale and character. Manchester is a bustling urban center, while Concord offers a quieter, more community-focused environment.

Cost of Living & Housing: The Head-to-Head Battle

While data suggests the overall cost of living between the two cities is nearly identical, the specifics of housing costs—the biggest expense for any homebuyer—tell a slightly different story.

The Housing Market Differences

Manchester

• Median sale price: Buying a house in Manchester costs roughly $455,000.
  
• Stock ranges from downtown lofts in brick mills to suburban-style colonials.
  
• Slightly lower entry price than Concord; fast sales and frequent bidding wars signal demand.
  

Concord

• Median listing price: $499,450—about 3.3% above Manchester.
  
• Known for historic capes and Victorians plus tight-knit neighborhoods that command a premium.
  

Overall Affordability

Outside that initial purchase, the two cities price out almost identically: grocery, utility, and healthcare indexes show only fractional differences, leaving housing the swing variable.

Job Market & Economy: Opportunities and Commutes

Manchester’s Economic Engine

The Queen City hosts headquarters and regional hubs for healthcare, tech, and advanced manufacturing. Heavyweights like BAE Systems and Southern New Hampshire University keep the labor market broad and upwardly mobile, letting many residents skip a Boston commute.

Concord’s Government and Service Hub

State offices anchor downtown, complemented by healthcare and professional services. Roughly 68% of residents work inside city limits, trimming commute times and bolstering weekday foot traffic.

The Commute

• Manchester: Longer average drive but direct links to I-93 and I-293 simplify regional travel.
  
• Concord: Commute runs 1.7 minutes shorter on average; I-89 and I-93 converge here, and weekend trips to the White Mountains or Seacoast start with a 60-second merge onto the highway.

Lifestyle, Safety & Amenities Comparisons

Culture and Things to Do

• Manchester: Palace Theatre shows, Currier Museum exhibits, SNHU Arena concerts, and 80+ downtown restaurants keep nights lively.
  
• Concord: Smaller scale but big on community events—Market Days Festival, local trails, and an arts-focused Main Street lined with cafés and independent bookstores.
  

Crime and Safety

• Manchester: Violent-crime rate 384 per 100k; higher crime rate totals typical of a larger metro.
  
• Concord: Violent crime 59 % lower and property crime 31 % lower than Manchester.
  

Which Is Best: Manchester vs Concord?

Pick Manchester if you want:

• A bigger talent market in tech, manufacturing, or higher ed.
  
• Nightlife, arena events, and a restaurant roster that changes monthly.
  
• Slightly cheaper median home prices and diverse housing types.
  

Pick Concord if you want:

• A lower-crime, small-city atmosphere with cohesive neighborhoods.
  
• Reliable government or healthcare employment and minimal commute times.
  
• A historic downtown, quick trail access, and a tight community network—even if it costs a touch more.
  

Manchester vs. Concord FAQs