Cost of Living in Meriden, CT

With a cost of living index of 91, Meriden, CT is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 9% cheaper than the national average and 34% below the Connecticut state average of 125. With a population of 60,418, Meriden is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Meriden's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,243 (6% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $221,600 (27% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Meriden is $68,617, which is 9% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.