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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Houston is 7% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,313/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 10%
$62,894/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 15%
$253,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 2%
$1,316/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 16%
2,300,419
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $9,123/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs New Haven — common questions

Is Houston or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and New Haven?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or New Haven?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $9,123/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View New Haven details →

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