City Comparison

New Haven vs Warwick

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

New Haven

Connecticut
118
Above Average
$250,000
Median Home
$1,400/mo
Median Rent
$42,158
Median Income

Warwick

Rhode Island
106
Above Average
$413,000
Median Home
$1,425/mo
Median Rent
$74,600
Median Income

The Verdict

11.3%

The cost gap between these cities is 11.3%, with Warwick being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in New Haven has equivalent purchasing power to $67,373 in Warwick.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Housing
137
New Haven
127
Warwick
Groceries
106
New Haven
102
Warwick
Utilities
124
New Haven
112
Warwick
Transportation
102
New Haven
105
Warwick
Healthcare
114
New Haven
103
Warwick

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in New Haven has the same purchasing power as $67,373 in Warwick.

Conversely, $75,000 in Warwick equals $83,491 in New Haven.

Living in New Haven vs Warwick

Housing Costs

New Haven's housing index of 137 is higher Warwick's 127, translating to median home prices of $250,000 vs $413,000. The $163,000 difference in home prices means roughly $10,596 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in New Haven compared to $1,425/mo in Warwick, a monthly difference of $25.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 106 in New Haven and 102 in Warwick. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in New Haven vs $485/month in Warwick. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 124 in New Haven and 112 in Warwick. Monthly utility bills average approximately $496 in New Haven vs $448 in Warwick. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 114 in New Haven and 103 in Warwick. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 11-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $42,158 in New Haven and $74,600 in Warwick. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $35,727 and $70,377 respectively. Warwick residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $984/month to housing in New Haven vs $1,741/month in Warwick. In New Haven, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Warwick, median rent of $1,425/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 12 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Warwick is 11.3% more affordable overall with an index of 106 vs 118.
A $75,000 salary in New Haven has equivalent purchasing power to approximately $67,373 in Warwick, based on the cost of living difference.
New Haven's housing index is 137 with median homes at $250,000, while Warwick's is 127 with median homes at $413,000.

Moving & Relocation Resources

Moving PlannersFinance BooksBudget Planners

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases