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

San Diego

California
197
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

San Diego is 107% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,223/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 35%
$104,321/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 48%
$848,500 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 71%
$2,308/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 34%
1,385,061
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 San Diego, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $781/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $9,372/year.

Median household income is $50,550/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs New Haven — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and New Haven?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $781/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or New Haven?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $50,550/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View New Haven details →

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