City Report · CT

West Haven

Pop. 55,351·36th most expensive in Connecticut·Rental market data updated monthly for West Haven, CT
Median rent (all units)
$2,005/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.1%
Month-over-Month
Stable
vs US Median
+$40
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
West Haven · $2,005
More expensive than 59% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
58/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what West Haven's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,005/mo
Expected by trend
$2,090/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where West Haven's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,350
1 BR
$1,460
2 BR
$1,780
3 BR
$2,210
4 BR+
$2,700
Research median
$1,780/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$24,060/yr
At $2,005/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.1% YoY, +0.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

West Haven, CT is roughly split between renters and owners, 30.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
55,351
Median income
$74,382
Median age
35.8
Renters
49.4%
Age distribution
20.3%
28.8%
22.9%
12.1%
16%
Under 1820.3%
18–3428.8%
35–5422.9%
55–6412.1%
65+16%
Gender
48.5%
51.5%
Male48.5%
Female51.5%
Race & ethnicity
47.2%
20.9%
27.4%
White47.2%
Black20.9%
Hispanic27.4%
Asian5.6%
Education (25+)
12.2%
32.9%
24.4%
30.5%
No HS diploma12.2%
HS diploma32.9%
Some college24.4%
Bachelor's+30.5%
Housing tenure
50.6%
49.4%
Owner50.6%
Renter49.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How West Haven, CT has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,373 → $2,005
up 46.0%
Income
$66,868 → $74,382
up 11.2%
Population
55,518 → 55,351
down 0.3%
Renter share
49.6% → 49.4%
-0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
26.1% → 30.5%
+4.4 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in West Haven, CT has increased from $1,373 to $2,005, a 46.0% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $66,868 to $74,382 across the same window, up 11.2% 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 30.5% of adults here, versus 26.1% in 2021. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in West Haven, CT look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in West Haven on your salary?

At $2,005/mo, how West Haven rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

West Haven rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in West Haven

About renting in West Haven, CT

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in West Haven is $2,005/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,350/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,780/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,460/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,210/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($74,382/yr), West Haven ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is West Haven an affordable city for renters?

West Haven is considered moderate for renters. At $2,005/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($74,382/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. West Haven slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

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

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $80,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,005/mo in West Haven. The local median household income is $74,382/yr, meaning the typical West Haven household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in West Haven?

Rent in West Haven has increased 1.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

West Haven is middle-of-the-pack for Connecticut for rent, ranking #36 out of 56 tracked cities at $2,005/mo.

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

Ansonia is nearby and more affordable at $1,859/mo, which is $146 less than West Haven.

What percentage of West Haven residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.4% of West Haven households are renters, while 50.6% are owner-occupied. West Haven leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does West Haven rent compare to the national average?

West Haven's median rent of $2,005/mo is $40 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Connecticut, it ranks #36 out of 56 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $2,005/mo, rent takes ~32% of West Haven's median household income ($74,382/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

West Haven 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3–6.99%
Run the West Haven affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in West Haven
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near West Haven, CT

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