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

Riverside

California
144
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Riverside is 52% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,812/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 20%
$88,575/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 39%
$542,100 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 54%
$1,880/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 19%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $34,804/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs New Haven — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and New Haven?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or New Haven?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $34,804/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and New Haven

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati 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