Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
New Haven is 29% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $53,313 in New Haven.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Connecticut salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while New Haven sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $250,000 in New Haven, a difference of $600,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,400 in New Haven.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while New Haven scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than New Haven (114).
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $42,158 in New Haven. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Haven.
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