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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Pasadena is 132% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,218/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 35%
$103,778/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 48%
$1,045,000 ↑ 320%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 76%
$2,340/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 35%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $776/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $9,312/year.

Median household income is $50,007/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs New Haven — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and New Haven?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $776/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or New Haven?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $50,007/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View New Haven details →

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