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

Orange

California
206
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Orange is 117% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,252/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 36%
$116,945/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 54%
$900,700 ↑ 262%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 72%
$2,394/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 37%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $63,174/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs New Haven — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and New Haven?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or New Haven?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $63,174/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and New Haven

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City 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