Meriden, CT vs Shelton, CT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Meriden is 25% cheaper than Shelton. With a cost index of 91 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Meriden to Shelton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Meriden is $1,243/month compared to $1,661/month in Shelton — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Meriden is more affordable at $221,600 median vs $435,700.

Median household income in Meriden is $68,617 compared to $114,739 in Shelton (-40.2%). While Shelton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Meriden spend roughly 21.7% of their income on rent, more than the 17.4% in Shelton.