Cost of Living in Connecticut
Connecticut has 24 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Hartford (cost index 92.5) to Middletown (92.5), with a statewide average around 92.5 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Torrington at $1,101/mo and highest in Stamford at $2,207/mo.
Connecticut at a Glance
Cities Tracked
24
with census data
Avg Cost Index
92.5
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,443
per month
Avg Household Income
$81,003
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 92.5 | $1,221 |
| East Hartford | 92.5 | $1,184 |
| Middletown | 92.5 | $1,392 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 92.5 | $1,221 |
| East Hartford | 92.5 | $1,184 |
| Middletown | 92.5 | $1,392 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Connecticut
State Income Tax
6.99%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.35%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Connecticut
Connecticut Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Bridgeport | 148,012 | — | $1,405 | $252,400 | $56,584 |
| Stamford | 135,806 | — | $2,207 | $614,300 | $107,474 |
| New Haven | 132,893 | — | $1,442 | $249,000 | $53,771 |
| Hartford | 119,970 | 92.5 | $1,221 | $217,200 | $45,300 |
| Waterbury | 114,356 | — | $1,180 | $185,400 | $51,642 |
| Norwalk | 91,375 | — | $2,010 | $535,000 | $105,301 |
| Danbury | 86,086 | — | $1,804 | $381,600 | $83,422 |
| New Britain | 73,301 | — | $1,187 | $207,300 | $57,036 |
| West Hartford | 63,809 | — | $1,665 | $391,200 | $125,616 |
| Bristol | 61,129 | — | $1,305 | $252,300 | $83,458 |
| Meriden | 60,418 | — | $1,243 | $221,600 | $68,617 |
| West Haven | 55,147 | — | $1,389 | $265,200 | $73,566 |
| East Hartford | 50,798 | 92.5 | $1,184 | $215,400 | $66,943 |
| Milford | 50,749 | — | $1,820 | $377,400 | $110,126 |
| Middletown | 47,646 | 92.5 | $1,392 | $279,500 | $73,979 |
| Shelton | 41,402 | — | $1,661 | $435,700 | $114,739 |
| Norwich | 39,992 | — | $1,203 | $231,300 | $64,185 |
| Manchester | 36,561 | — | $1,357 | $205,800 | $76,780 |
| Torrington | 35,481 | — | $1,101 | $195,800 | $69,611 |
| Naugatuck | 31,634 | — | $1,309 | $241,600 | $92,184 |
| Newington | 30,551 | — | $1,487 | $279,900 | $98,585 |
| East Haven | 27,729 | — | $1,454 | $274,900 | $86,498 |
| New London | 27,199 | — | $1,303 | $234,800 | $60,123 |
| Wethersfield | 27,180 | — | $1,303 | $300,500 | $118,523 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Connecticut cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Connecticut cities stack up across the US. For example, Bridgeport vs Stamford.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Connecticut
What is the cost of living in Connecticut?
The average cost of living index across cities in Connecticut is approximately 92.5 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,443/month and median household income averages around $81,003/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Connecticut?
The most affordable cities in Connecticut by cost of living index are: 1. Hartford (index 92.5), 2. East Hartford (index 92.5), 3. Middletown (index 92.5).
What is the median rent in Connecticut?
The average median gross rent across cities in Connecticut is approximately $1,443/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Connecticut?
Connecticut's top marginal state income tax rate is 6.99%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Connecticut?
Connecticut's statewide sales tax rate is 6.35%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Connecticut?
Connecticut has a cost of living index of approximately 92.5 and average median rent around $1,443/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology