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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Santa Ana is 72% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,975/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 27%
$88,354/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 39%
$657,800 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 62%
$1,965/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 23%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $34,583/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs New Haven — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and New Haven?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or New Haven?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $34,583/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

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