Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Portland is 45% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,596/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 10%
$88,792/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 39%
$557,600 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 55%
$1,771/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 14%
642,715
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.99%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $35,021/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs New Haven — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and New Haven?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or New Haven?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $35,021/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Connecticut?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and New Haven

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville 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