New Haven, CT vs West Haven, CT

New Haven, CT and West Haven, CT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.3% difference in their overall index. New Haven scores 99 while West 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 New Haven is $1,442/month compared to $1,389/month in West Haven — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while West Haven has cheaper rent, New Haven actually has lower median home values ($249,000 vs $265,200).

Median household income in New Haven is $53,771 compared to $73,566 in West Haven (-26.9%). West Haven offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of New Haven spend roughly 32.2% of their income on rent, more than the 22.7% in West Haven. The West Haven ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.