Cost of Living in New Haven, CT
Population 132,893 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
New Haven lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $249,000 — 18% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Connecticut. Around 25% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in New Haven
The median home value in New Haven is $249,000 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,442/month, 10% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,771/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Connecticut's top state income tax rate is 7.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 60.5°F and lows of 43.6°F. Overall, New Haven has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 40 | 47 | 58 | 68 | 76 | 82 | 81 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 30 | 39 | 49 | 59 | 66 | 65 | 57 | 46 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 2.72 | 2.84 | 3.66 | 4.19 | 3.54 | 3.47 | 3.36 | 3.55 | 4.03 | 3.78 | 3.12 | 3.53 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in New Haven, CT?
New Haven has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.
What is average rent in New Haven, CT?
The median gross rent in New Haven is $1,442 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in New Haven?
The median home value in New Haven is $249,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in New Haven?
The median household income in New Haven is $53,771 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in New Haven, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in New Haven is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is New Haven, CT affordable?
New Haven is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in New Haven?
New Haven has average high temperatures of 60.5°F and average lows of 43.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
New Haven at a Glance
- Population
- 132,893
- Median Income
- $53,771
- Home Value
- $249,000
- Median Rent
- $1,442/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Connecticut Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs