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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

New Haven is 31% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,442/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 28%
$53,771/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 57%
$249,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 92%
$1,520/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 18%
132,893
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $30,846/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is New Haven or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Santa Maria?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $30,846/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Haven details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Santa Maria

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 Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton