Bethel, CT vs Staples, CT

The cost of living difference between Bethel, CT and Staples, CT is dramatic. Bethel is 44.3% cheaper than Staples, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bethel has a cost index of 111 while Staples sits at 199, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethel is $1,471/month compared to $2,142/month in Staples — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bethel is more affordable at $377,500 median vs $1,202,800.

Median household income in Bethel is $88,344 compared to $218,365 in Staples (-59.5%). While Staples is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethel spend roughly 20% of their income on rent, more than the 11.8% in Staples.