Cost of Living in Connecticut
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 215 cities in CT. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Connecticut is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Connecticut, with comparisons to national averages.
Connecticut's average home value of $492,877 is 101% above the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $116,196, and average monthly rent is $1,219.
Most Affordable Cities in Connecticut
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willimantic | $180,600 | $1,060/mo | $41,972 | 17,774 |
| 2 | Waterbury | $185,400 | $1,180/mo | $51,642 | 114,356 |
| 3 | Rockville | $192,500 | $1,137/mo | $51,607 | 6,657 |
| 4 | Torrington | $195,800 | $1,101/mo | $69,611 | 35,481 |
| 5 | Manchester | $205,800 | $1,357/mo | $76,780 | 36,561 |
| 6 | New Britain | $207,300 | $1,187/mo | $57,036 | 73,301 |
| 7 | Winsted | $214,000 | $1,193/mo | $66,058 | 7,074 |
| 8 | East Hartford | $215,400 | $1,184/mo | $66,943 | 50,798 |
| 9 | Hartford | $217,200 | $1,221/mo | $45,300 | 119,970 |
| 10 | Terryville | $221,000 | $1,130/mo | $73,438 | 5,112 |
| 11 | Meriden | $221,600 | $1,243/mo | $68,617 | 60,418 |
| 12 | Hazardville | $230,400 | $1,407/mo | $96,531 | 6,482 |
| 13 | Norwich | $231,300 | $1,203/mo | $64,185 | 39,992 |
| 14 | New London | $234,800 | $1,303/mo | $60,123 | 27,199 |
| 15 | Thompsonville | $235,200 | $1,364/mo | $71,714 | 7,473 |
Most Expensive Cities in Connecticut
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riverside | $1,824,700 | $2,419/mo | $250,001 | 9,216 |
| 2 | Old Greenwich | $1,668,200 | $3,501/mo | $250,001 | 6,904 |
| 3 | Noroton | $1,545,300 | $3,501/mo | $250,001 | 5,522 |
| 4 | Greenwich | $1,486,100 | $2,121/mo | $136,154 | 14,528 |
| 5 | Staples | $1,202,800 | $2,142/mo | $218,365 | 6,985 |
| 6 | Cos Cob | $1,149,500 | $2,574/mo | $176,602 | 7,354 |
| 7 | New Canaan | $1,115,600 | $3,501/mo | $163,355 | 7,032 |
| 8 | Ridgefield | $843,200 | $1,834/mo | $143,286 | 7,103 |
| 9 | Byram | $790,800 | $2,392/mo | $92,444 | 5,011 |
| 10 | Stamford | $614,300 | $2,207/mo | $107,474 | 135,806 |
Highest Income Cities in Connecticut
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noroton | $250,001 | $1,545,300 | 5,522 |
| 2 | Old Greenwich | $250,001 | $1,668,200 | 6,904 |
| 3 | Riverside | $250,001 | $1,824,700 | 9,216 |
| 4 | Staples | $218,365 | $1,202,800 | 6,985 |
| 5 | Daniels Farm | $197,731 | $594,800 | 5,995 |
| 6 | Cos Cob | $176,602 | $1,149,500 | 7,354 |
| 7 | New Canaan | $163,355 | $1,115,600 | 7,032 |
| 8 | Orange | $145,625 | $466,800 | 14,251 |
| 9 | Long Hill CDP (Greater Bridgeport County), Connecticut | $145,000 | $450,300 | 8,597 |
| 10 | Sandy Hook | $144,335 | $460,600 | 9,718 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Connecticut
What is the average cost of living in Connecticut?
The average median home value across Connecticut cities is $492,877, with average rent of $1,219/month. The average median household income is $116,196.
What are the cheapest cities in Connecticut?
The most affordable cities in Connecticut by home value include Willimantic ($180,600), Waterbury ($185,400), Rockville ($192,500).
What is the most expensive city in Connecticut?
The most expensive city in Connecticut is Riverside with a median home value of $1,824,700.
How does Connecticut compare to the national average?
Connecticut's average home value of $492,877 is above the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $1,219/month is above the US average of $1,163.