Bridgeport, CT vs New Haven, CT

Bridgeport, CT and New Haven, CT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.9% difference in their overall index. Bridgeport scores 98 while New Haven scores 99 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month compared to $1,442/month in New Haven — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Bridgeport has cheaper rent, New Haven actually has lower median home values ($249,000 vs $252,400).

Median household income in Bridgeport is $56,584 compared to $53,771 in New Haven (+5.2%). Bridgeport offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bridgeport spend roughly 29.8% of their income on rent, less than the 32.2% in New Haven. The Bridgeport ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.