Bridgeport, CT vs Meriden, CT

Meriden is moderately more affordable than Bridgeport, with a 8.2% lower cost of living index. Bridgeport scores 98 compared to 91 for Meriden, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Bridgeport can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month compared to $1,243/month in Meriden — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Meriden is more affordable at $221,600 median vs $252,400.

Median household income in Bridgeport is $56,584 compared to $68,617 in Meriden (-17.5%). Meriden offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bridgeport spend roughly 29.8% of their income on rent, more than the 21.7% in Meriden.