East Haven, CT vs Meriden, CT

Meriden is moderately more affordable than East Haven, with a 11.8% lower cost of living index. East Haven scores 102 compared to 91 for Meriden, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of East Haven can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in East Haven is $1,454/month compared to $1,243/month in Meriden — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Meriden is more affordable at $221,600 median vs $274,900.

Median household income in East Haven is $86,498 compared to $68,617 in Meriden (+26.1%). While East Haven is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of East Haven spend roughly 20.2% of their income on rent, less than the 21.7% in Meriden.