Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-26

New Haven, Connecticut

In New Haven, Connecticut, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.93 as of 2026-03-26 — $0.05 below the national average of $3.98. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,020, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. New Haven's cost-of-living index of 112 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.93

National: $3.98

203.2%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$2,020

National: $1,900

42.9%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$16.00

Combo meal

5.5%YoY

Electricity

28.3¢

per kWh · ~$255/mo

62.8%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$154/mo

$1,845/yr

14.2%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$86,266

37.5% goes to essentials

37.5%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

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Avg rent $2,020/mo in New Haven. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

$1.29 @ Fred Meyer - Boise Franklin (FRED)

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

$2.69 @ Fred Meyer - Boise Franklin (FRED)

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$1.48 in 2000$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

$2.49 @ Fred Meyer - Boise Franklin (FRED)

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

$4.99 @ Fred Meyer - Boise Franklin (FRED)

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$5.48 BLS avg

$6.99 @ Fred Meyer - Boise Franklin (FRED)

+29.6%

Bacon (lb)

$8.12 BLS avg

+22.7%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.47 BLS avg

+14.1%

Pasta (lb)

$1.96 BLS avg

+32.4%

Rice (5 lb)

$5.26 BLS avg

+26.7%

Coffee (12 oz)

$13.25 BLS avg

+48.7%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.42 BLS avg

+45.7%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.77 BLS avg

+16.1%

Apples (3 lb)

$5.20 BLS avg

+15.8%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.91 BLS avg

+31.1%

Lettuce (head)

$2.34 BLS avg

+30.0%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.76 BLS avg

+40.1%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$4.94 BLS avg

+19.0%

Cereal (family size)

$6.20 BLS avg

+29.4%

Frozen Pizza

$8.65 BLS avg

+37.1%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$16.00

Casual Dining

$34.00

Monthly Spend

$440

+5.5% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $7.99

$13.50

+69.0%

Wendy's

2022: $8.99

$14.50

+61.3%

Chipotle

2022: $9.50

$14.80

+55.8%

Starbucks

2022: $4.80

$8.00

+66.7%

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Looking for an Apartment in New Haven?

Average 1BR: $1,656/mo · 2BR: $2,384/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

282k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,452

$76k/yr

Top Sector

Education & Health Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$86k

household median

Employment by Sector — New Haven

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Education & Health Services
$1,563/wk
29.9%

~$81k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
$1,128/wk
19.7%

~$59k/yr

Professional & Business Services
$1,982/wk
11.4%

~$103k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
$586/wk
8.6%

~$30k/yr

Construction
$1,616/wk
7.0%

~$84k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 09170

Highest Paying Sector

Financial Activities

$2,112/wk · $110k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$586/wk · $30k/yr

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