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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Fairfield

California
167

New Haven is 43% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,442/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 52%
$53,771/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 90%
$249,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 138%
$1,520/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 46%
132,893
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $48,550/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Fairfield — common questions

Is New Haven or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Fairfield?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Fairfield?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $48,550/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Fairfield

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 Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill