salaryNew Haven is the 3rd-largest city in Connecticut that we track, with 134,349 residents. Rent is higher than in 69% of U.S. cities. Incomes are on the low side for rents this high, so budgets feel tight. A typical house costs about 4.7 years of household income. Most households rent (72%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $80,400 a year. That is $39 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Connecticut cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Connecticut. It is number 40 of 64 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in New Haven?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.0% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in New Haven
| Size | New Haven | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,321 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,456 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,728 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,867 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,921 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is New Haven overall?
Everyday prices in the New Haven metro area are 5% above the U.S. average (index 104.6, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in New Haven
Life in New Haven
What jobs pay in New Haven
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $166,080 | 14.5% |
| Physician Assistant | $149,960 | 16.1% |
| Pharmacist | $141,290 | 17.1% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $140,880 | 17.1% |
| Operations Manager | $134,450 | 17.9% |
| Software Developer | $133,040 | 18.1% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $106,580 | 22.6% |
| Registered Nurse | $104,490 | 23.1% |
| Civil Engineer | $102,690 | 23.5% |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,170 | 24.6% |
| Accountant | $94,960 | 25.4% |
| Police Officer | $82,170 | 29.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,820 | 30.2% |
| Firefighter | $79,380 | 30.4% |
| Plumber | $77,620 | 31.1% |
| Electrician | $77,410 | 31.2% |
| HVAC Technician | $76,880 | 31.4% |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,790 | 32.3% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $73,820 | 32.7% |
| Carpenter | $65,750 | 36.7% |
| Truck Driver | $61,040 | 39.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $48,400 | 49.8% |
| Customer Service Representative | $47,490 | 50.8% |
| Warehouse Worker | $45,420 | 53.1% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,030 | 53.6% |
| Restaurant Cook | $39,100 | 61.7% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,900 | 63.6% |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,950 | 67.1% |
| Cashier | $35,670 | 67.6% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in New Haven?
About the same. Renting and owning cost within $18 of each other each month.
Owning assumes a typical $287,100 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $28,710 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in New Haven, CT?
Renting in New Haven costs a median of about $2,010 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Connecticut median is $1,920.
How much do I need to make to live in New Haven?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $80,400 a year, or $39 an hour at a full-time job.
Is New Haven cheap or expensive?
New Haven is rated Expensive: rent takes 39.3% of the typical household income of $61,314. It ranks 40th cheapest of 64 Connecticut cities we track.
How much are property taxes in New Haven?
The median homeowner in New Haven pays $6,430 a year in property taxes, about 2.24% of the median home value.
Is New Haven more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 5% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in New Haven?
The median home value in New Haven is $287,100, about 4.7 times the typical yearly household income.
134,349 people live in New Haven. Numbers are typical (middle) values.