Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

New Haven is 21% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,442/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 8%
$53,771/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 51%
$249,000 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 75%
$1,520/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 8%
132,893
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $27,318/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is New Haven or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $27,318/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Michigan?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

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