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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Richmond

California
161

New Haven is 41% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,442/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 31%
$53,771/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 67%
$249,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 161%
$1,520/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 33%
132,893
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $36,267/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Richmond — common questions

Is New Haven or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Richmond?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Richmond?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $36,267/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Richmond

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 Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell