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

Oakland

California
195
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Oakland is 105% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,917/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 25%
$97,369/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 45%
$924,700 ↑ 271%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 73%
$2,164/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 30%
438,072
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $43,598/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs New Haven — common questions

Is Oakland or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and New Haven?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or New Haven?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $43,598/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and New Haven

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