Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Philadelphia is 11% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,323/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 9%
$60,698/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 11%
$232,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$249,000 ↑ 7%
$1,233/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 23%
1,582,432
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $6,927/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs New Haven — common questions

Is Philadelphia or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and New Haven?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or New Haven?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $6,927/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Connecticut?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and New Haven

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas 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