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

San Jose

California
254
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

San Jose is 167% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,617/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 45%
$141,565/yr ↑ 163%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 62%
$1,187,800 ↑ 377%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 79%
$2,775/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 45%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,175/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $14,100/year.

Median household income is $87,794/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs New Haven — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and New Haven?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $1,175/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or New Haven?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $87,794/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and New Haven

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth 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