Is New Haven, CT cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, New Haven, CT is 20.1% more expensive than Rochester, NY. This translates to spending an extra $1509 per month.

What salary do I need in New Haven, CT to live like I do in Rochester, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $168,103.645 in New Haven, CT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NY and New Haven, CT?

Housing in New Haven, CT is 124.7% more expensive than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,193/month in New Haven, CT compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NY to New Haven, CT?

Living in New Haven, CT costs approximately $1509 more per month than Rochester, NY, or $18104 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY vs New Haven, CT: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in New Haven, CT

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.1K in New Haven, CT

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Rochester, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 20.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,509

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$198K

New Haven, CT

Population:135K

Cost Index:

120

(20% above avg)

Median Home:$353K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

New Haven, CT

The Constitution State

135K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 135K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rochester, NY vs New Haven, CT

Category	Rochester, NY	New Haven, CT	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,108/mo	$4,737/mo	↑ $2,629more	124.7%
Other	$1,738/mo	$1,400/mo	↓ $338less	19.5%
Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,103/mo	↓ $212less	16.1%
All Utilities	$631/mo	$498/mo	↓ $133less	21.1%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$967/mo	↓ $62.23less	6.0%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$571/mo	↑ $22.84more	4.2%

Housing

↑ 124.7%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

New Haven, CT

$4,737

Difference

$2,629

Other

↓ 19.5%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

New Haven, CT

$1,400

Difference

$338

less

Transportation

↓ 16.1%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

New Haven, CT

$1,103

Difference

$212

less

All Utilities

↓ 21.1%

Rochester, NY

$631

New Haven, CT

$498

Difference

$133

less

Groceries

↓ 6.0%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

New Haven, CT

$967

Difference

$62.23

less

Healthcare

↑ 4.2%

Rochester, NY

$548

New Haven, CT

$571

Difference

$22.84

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,157

To$831

↓ $326

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$965

↓ $344

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,193

↓ $440

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$1,474

↓ $494

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/mo

New Haven, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,520–$2,100/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$9,274

Monthly in New Haven, CT

$1,906

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

New Haven

$198K

Median Value

$353K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.5%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$286K - $385K

Homes in New Haven are 78% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - New Haven

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$124

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

New Haven, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

Additional Tax Information

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

New Haven, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.