Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Chicago is 5% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,380/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 4%
$75,134/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 28%
$315,200 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 21%
$1,502/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 1%
2,707,648
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $21,363/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs New Haven — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and New Haven?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or New Haven?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $21,363/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and New Haven

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