Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Athens, GA (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

New Haven is 14% more expensive than Athens.

$1,442/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 19%
$53,771/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 4%
$249,000 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 9%
$1,520/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 23%
132,893
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $2,116/year higher in New Haven. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Athens — common questions

Is New Haven or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Athens?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Athens?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $2,116/year higher in New Haven.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Georgia?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

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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 Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley