East Haven, CT vs Shelton, CT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. East Haven is 16.1% cheaper than Shelton. With a cost index of 102 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from East Haven to Shelton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in East Haven is $1,454/month compared to $1,661/month in Shelton — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: East Haven is more affordable at $274,900 median vs $435,700.

Median household income in East Haven is $86,498 compared to $114,739 in Shelton (-24.6%). While Shelton 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, more than the 17.4% in Shelton.