Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Washington is 80% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,900/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 24%
$106,287/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 49%
$724,600 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 66%
$2,103/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 28%
672,079
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $52,516/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs New Haven — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and New Haven?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or New Haven?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $52,516/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Connecticut?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View New Haven details →

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