Cost of Living in West Haven, CT (2026)

Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration

Key facts

Rent (1-bedroom)
$1,251/month
U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
Median household income
$74,382
U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
Regional price parity
103.6 (above national average)
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
Utilities (monthly)
$219/month
U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
Rent burden (of income)
20% (affordable)
Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31

Can you afford this city?

You'd need about
$3,119
Groceries (est.)
$399
Monthly surplus
$1,881

Salary needed to live here

Salary needed (gross/yr)
$44,040
Gross per month
$3,670
Comfortable budget
$2,569

West Haven, CT vs the US average

Cost metrics vs US average, with sources
MetricValuevs US avg
Median household income
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$74,382-4% vs US
Median home value
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$291,700-14% vs US
Rent (1BR)
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$1,251-4% vs US
Rent (2BR)
(Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024)
$1,513+3% vs US
Grocery cost index
(BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024)
97.3-3% vs US
Utilities (monthly)
(EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026)
$219+7% vs US

Cost breakdown vs US average

Cost breakdown vs US averageBar chart comparing 4 metrics to US national averages.Median household income$74,382US avg $77,719Rent (1BR)$1,251US avg $1,300Grocery cost index97.3US avg 100.0Utilities (monthly)$219US avg $205

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What it costs to live in West Haven

A one-bedroom in West Haven averages $1,251 per month, close to the national median of $1,300. The median household income here is $74,382, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 20% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. Median homes are valued at $291,700 (3.9× median income) — above the 3× affordability rule, though in line with many U.S. metros. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.

Buying a home in West Haven?

Mortgage payment calculator

Monthly payment (PITI)
$2,658
Principal & interest
$2,108
Total interest
$438,707

Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.

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Cite this page

CostAlmanac US, *West Haven, CT — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/west-haven-ct

Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.