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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Downey

California
169

New Haven is 44% cheaper than Downey.

$1,442/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 31%
$53,771/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 63%
$249,000 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 193%
$1,520/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 31%
132,893
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $33,629/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Downey — common questions

Is New Haven or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Downey?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Downey?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $33,629/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Downey details →

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