Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
New Haven is 34% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $49,719 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. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while New Haven sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $250,000 in New Haven, a difference of $800,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $1,400 in New Haven.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Irvine scores 108 while New Haven scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are lower than New Haven (114).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $42,158 in New Haven. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Haven.
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