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

Modesto

California
120
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Modesto is 26% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,609/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 10%
$77,899/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 31%
$415,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 40%
$1,613/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 6%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $24,128/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs New Haven — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and New Haven?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or New Haven?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $24,128/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and New Haven

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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