Moving from Manchester, NH to Cambridge, MA
The 50 mi from Manchester to Cambridge translate to about 1h 9m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
50 mi · 1h 9m by car · MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 93, MA 2A, EXIT 6 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cambridge and Manchester is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cambridge is 2.5% above Manchester — $435,334 vs $1,041,569 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Manchester (47.4°F) and Cambridge (51.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.38 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 2.5% between Manchester and Cambridge (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Moving between New Hampshire and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 63.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 50 mi and the route typically takes 1h 9m via I 93 and MA 2A. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 2.5% higher than Manchester (108.266 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 50 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 139.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Cambridge, MA.