> that is higher than the average household income in NH.

Statewide average annual household income in New Hampshire is $101,292 (Based on the five-year estimates from the 2020 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau)

Median household income for Hillsborough County, NH is $90,806.

> Affordable is something I can afford, something that doesn't eat up my entire monthly income

If you're going to have a car (recommended unless you live and work in the center of Manchester) then you may want widen your search area to the towns bordering Manchester. It's usually an easy commute (exception being days like today).