Cost of Living in East Haven, CT

With a cost of living index of 102, East Haven, CT is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 2% more expensive than the national average and 24% below the Connecticut state average of 125. With a population of 27,729, East Haven is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in East Haven's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,454 (10% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $274,900 (10% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in East Haven is $86,498, which is 15% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.