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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Sacramento is 39% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,694/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 15%
$83,753/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 36%
$484,600 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 49%
$1,752/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 13%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $29,982/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs New Haven — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and New Haven?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or New Haven?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $29,982/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and New Haven

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta 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