Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Chicago is 9% more affordable than New Haven. A $75,000 salary in New Haven is equivalent to $68,008 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Connecticut salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while New Haven sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $250,000 in New Haven, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,400 in New Haven.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while New Haven scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than New Haven (114).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $42,158 in New Haven. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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