Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Fresno is 6% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,324/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 9%
$66,804/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 20%
$348,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 29%
$1,391/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 9%
543,615
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $13,033/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs New Haven — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and New Haven?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or New Haven?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $13,033/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and New Haven

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo