Connecticut has a cost of living index of 125 (US average = 100) with a median household income of $123,065 and a population of 2,234,130. We ranked 15 cities based on affordability, income, housing value, and climate to find the best places to call home in Connecticut.
Wethersfield is 1% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $118,523 and a population of 27,180.
North Haven is 12% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $126,807 and a population of 24,177.
Naugatuck is 5% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $92,184 and a population of 31,634.
West Hartford is 18% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $125,616 and a population of 63,809.
Newington is 3% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $98,585 and a population of 30,551.
Bristol is 5% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $83,458 and a population of 61,129.
Windsor Locks is 6% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $90,417 and a population of 12,555.
Manchester is 7% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $76,780 and a population of 36,561.
East Haven is 2% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $86,498 and a population of 27,729.
Torrington is 16% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $69,611 and a population of 35,481.
Wallingford Center is 3% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $84,554 and a population of 18,107.
Meriden is 9% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $68,617 and a population of 60,418.
West Haven is 1% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $73,566 and a population of 55,147.
Ansonia is 0% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $80,585 and a population of 18,951.
East Hartford is 11% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $66,943 and a population of 50,798.
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average), income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau), housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates). Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.