Cost of Living in Connecticut

Connecticut has a cost of living index of 125, making it 25% more expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $123,065 (64% above the US median of $75,149). Across 203 cities tracked in Connecticut, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Connecticut cities is $1,669/mo (27% above the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $518,932 (70% above the national figure of $304,900). There is a 196-point spread between the most affordable city, Willimantic (index 82), and the most expensive, Old Greenwich (index 278) — an enormous range that reflects dramatic differences in housing markets within the state.

While Connecticut is expensive, the higher median income partially offsets these costs. Prospective residents should evaluate specific cities, since some areas within the state are significantly more affordable than others.

The largest cities in Connecticut by population are Bridgeport (index 98, pop. 148,012), Stamford (index 152, pop. 135,806), New Haven (index 99, pop. 132,893), Hartford (index 90, pop. 119,970), and Waterbury (index 86, pop. 114,356). Cost of living varies considerably even among these major population centers, highlighting the importance of comparing individual cities rather than relying on the state average alone.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.