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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

New Haven is 58% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,442/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 66%
$53,771/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 105%
$249,000 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 324%
$1,520/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 62%
132,893
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $953/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $11,436/year.

Median household income is $56,302/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is New Haven or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $953/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $56,302/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria