Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Boston is 85% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,093/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 31%
$94,755/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 43%
$710,400 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 65%
$2,176/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 30%
663,972
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $40,984/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs New Haven — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and New Haven?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or New Haven?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $40,984/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View New Haven details →

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