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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Berkeley

California
251

New Haven is 62% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,442/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 48%
$53,771/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 102%
$249,000 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 443%
$1,520/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 54%
132,893
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $685/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $8,220/year.

Median household income is $54,787/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Berkeley — common questions

Is New Haven or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Berkeley?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $685/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Berkeley?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $54,787/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Berkeley

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 Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach