Cost of Living in Bethel, CT

With a cost of living index of 111, Bethel, CT is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 11% more expensive than the national average and 15% below the Connecticut state average of 125. Bethel is a smaller community of 11,606 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bethel's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,471 (12% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $377,500 (24% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bethel is $88,344, which is 18% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.