Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Austin is 41% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,655/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 13%
$91,461/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 41%
$512,700 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 51%
$1,747/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 13%
967,862
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $37,690/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs New Haven — common questions

Is Austin or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and New Haven?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or New Haven?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $37,690/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View New Haven details →

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