Moving from Chicago to New Haven (2026)
New Haven has a COL index of 110 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 3% more for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in New Haven to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in New Haven |
|---|---|
| $40K | $41,121 |
| $50K | $51,402 |
| $60K | $61,682 |
| $75K | $77,103 |
| $80K | $82,243 |
| $100K | $102,804 |
| $120K | $123,364 |
| $150K | $154,206 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs New Haven
| Expense | Chicago | New Haven |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,303 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $388 | $410 |
| Transport | $105 | $82 |
| Utilities | $165 | $198 |
| Internet | $65 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $1,743 |
Frequently asked questions
Is New Haven cheaper than Chicago?
No. New Haven has a cost of living index of 110 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 3% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to New Haven?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in New Haven run about $31/month more than Chicago. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in New Haven to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $77,103/year in New Haven. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only