City Report · CT

New Haven

Pop. 134,349·24th most expensive in Connecticut·New Haven rents are up 9.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,242/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.9%
Month-over-Month
-1.5%
vs US Median
+$277
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss New Haven rents
Most AffordableMost Expensive
New Haven · $2,242
More expensive than 71% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
50/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where New Haven's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$2,242/mo
Expected by trend
$2,247/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where New Haven's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,502
1 BR
$1,616
2 BR
$1,974
3 BR
$2,452
4 BR+
$2,768
Research median
$1,974/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$26,904/yr
At $2,242/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 9.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.9% YoY, -1.5% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

New Haven, CT is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 38.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
134,349
Median income
$56,851
Median age
31.9
Renters
71.6%
Age distribution
21.3%
33.9%
23.9%
Under 1821.3%
18–3433.9%
35–5423.9%
55–649%
65+11.8%
Gender
47.8%
52.2%
Male47.8%
Female52.2%
Race & ethnicity
35.1%
29.5%
31%
White35.1%
Black29.5%
Hispanic31%
Asian5.3%
Education (25+)
12.6%
29.8%
18.7%
38.9%
No HS diploma12.6%
HS diploma29.8%
Some college18.7%
Bachelor's+38.9%
Housing tenure
28.4%
71.6%
Owner28.4%
Renter71.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How New Haven, CT has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,524 → $2,242
up 47.1%
Income
$48,973 → $56,851
up 16.1%
Population
133,874 → 134,349
up 0.4%
Renter share
72% → 71.6%
-0.4 pts
Bachelor's+
36.5% → 38.9%
+2.4 pts
Median age
30.7 → 31.9
+1.2 yrs

The median rent in New Haven, CT stood at $1,524 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,242, reflecting a 47.1% increase over the period. Household income in the area moved from $48,973 to $56,851 across the same window, up 16.1% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 38.9% of adults here, versus 36.5% in 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in New Haven, CT look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about New Haven

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View New Haven rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in New Haven on your salary?

At $2,242/mo, how New Haven rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

New Haven rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in New Haven. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in New Haven

About renting in New Haven, CT

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in New Haven is $2,242/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,502/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,974/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,616/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,452/mo.

At 47% of local median household income ($56,851/yr), New Haven ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is New Haven an affordable city for renters?

New Haven is considered stretched for renters. At $2,242/mo, rent takes approximately 47% of the local median household income ($56,851/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. New Haven significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in New Haven?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $90,000/year (~$43/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,242/mo in New Haven. The local median household income is $56,851/yr, meaning the typical New Haven household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in New Haven?

Rent in New Haven has increased 9.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which New Haven neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in New Haven are 06513 ($1,875/mo), 06515 ($1,893/mo), and 06511 ($2,246/mo). Citywide, the median rent in New Haven is $2,242/mo.

How does New Haven rent compare to other cities in Connecticut?

New Haven is middle-of-the-pack for Connecticut for rent, ranking #24 out of 56 tracked cities at $2,242/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than New Haven?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than New Haven ($2,242/mo): Ansonia ($1,859/mo), West Haven ($2,005/mo), East Haven ($2,084/mo).

What percentage of New Haven residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 71.6% of New Haven households are renters, while 28.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, New Haven has a strong rental market.

How does New Haven rent compare to the national average?

New Haven's median rent of $2,242/mo is $277 (14%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Connecticut, it ranks #24 out of 56 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
47%
STRETCHED

At $2,242/mo, rent takes ~47% of New Haven's median household income ($56,851/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

New Haven 47%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3–6.99%
Run the New Haven affordability calculator →
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near New Haven, CT

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for New Haven.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.