D-
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
20%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index East Haven Connecticut National
Cost of living113118100
Goods & Services108109100
Groceries99102100
Health care113109100
Housing120137100
Transportation103100100
Utilities133130100

An Overview of Cost of Living in East Haven, CT

Getting a feel for the cost of living in East Haven is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in East Haven is 113, which is 13% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs are a major factor in the East Haven cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 20.5% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is East Haven Affordable?

Wondering if East Haven is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In East Haven, for example, the median home price is 18.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 24.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with East Haven boasting a median household income of $67,773, which is 22.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in East Haven?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In East Haven, the groceries index is 1% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In East Haven, the transportation index stands at 3.2% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The East Haven cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in East Haven is 4% lower than the Connecticut average
  • The cost of living in East Haven is 13% higher than the national average
  • East Haven housing is 20% higher than the national average
  • Connecticut general sales tax is 24% higher than the national average
  • Connecticut state income tax is 16% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around East Haven

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Compare East Haven, CT Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$83,673$6,973$1,952$2,510
      Renters$45,166$3,764$1,054$1,355
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in East Haven, CT, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In East Haven, homeowners have a median income of $83,673. Using that number, a maximum of $1,952 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $45,166, which means there is a maximum of $1,054 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Connecticut Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Connecticut 6.35% 6.35%

      Connecticut Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Connecticut 3% 6.99%

      Goods & Services

      Item East Haven National avg. Difference
      Haircut $39.78$24.2664.0%
      Beauty Salon $69.00$45.5651.4%
      Toothpaste $3.86$3.704.2%
      Shampoo $1.47$1.2814.8%
      Movie $15.07$12.1324.2%
      Bowling $24.00$18.0033.3%

      Groceries

      Item East Haven National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.28$5.847.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.59$1.571.4%
      Milk $4.83$4.673.3%
      Potatoes $5.03$4.932.0%
      Pizza $13.21$12.099.3%
      Beer $10.53$10.411.1%

      Health Care

      Item East Haven National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $134.70$125.687.2%
      Doctor $162.26$135.7819.5%
      Dentist $136.03$113.2920.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.26$10.655.7%
      Lipitor $375.63$468.6019.8%

      Housing

      Item East Haven National avg. Difference
      Home Price $219,600.00$184,700.0018.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,730.18$2,346.6959.0%
      Apartment Rent $1,178.00$949.0024.1%

      Transportation

      Item East Haven National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.47$3.460.2%
      Tire Balancing $63.33$59.925.7%

      Utilities

      Item East Haven National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $296.64$193.9952.9%
      Phone $185.16$192.253.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Naugatuck, CT31,2011088.4%
      Derby, CT12,4201109.7%
      West Haven, CT54,66611010.1%
      New Haven, CT130,38111211.5%
      Ansonia, CT18,70911212.0%
      East Haven, CT28,64511312.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Shirley, NY28,64012726.9%
      Agawam Town, MA28,62711212.2%
      Lake in the Hills, IL28,6171066.5%
      Vero Beach South, FL28,6761033.1%
      Forest Hills, MI28,69011717.3%
      East Haven, CT28,64511312.8%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.