Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

New Haven is 60% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,442/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 90%
$53,771/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 135%
$249,000 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 318%
$1,520/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 73%
132,893
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,300/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $15,600/year.

Median household income is $72,698/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Cambridge — common questions

Is New Haven or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Cambridge?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,300/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Cambridge?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $72,698/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Massachusetts?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Cambridge details →

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