Connecticut cost of living
Moving to a new state is a mix of emotions — it can be full of new possibilities but also challenging and a bit scary. While a fresh start offers exciting opportunities and experiences, it's important to consider the practical side of things, too. Building new friendships, finding support and getting to know your way around takes time.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to Connecticut for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Connecticut is $1,794.75, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Connecticut spend $265.90 weekly on food at home and $105.72 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.56 in Connecticut.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Connecticut pay $1,479 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Connecticut
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Connecticut is $1,794.75, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Connecticut broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Connecticut had a median cost of $1,166 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,441 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,576 and $1,768, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Connecticut is $436,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Home prices are higher in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metro area than in any other metro area in the state, with a median home price of $658,100 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Median prices in the Hartford-East Hartford-West Hartford, New Haven-Milford and Norwich-New London metro areas were lower than $400,000.
Connecticut ranks No. 5 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.79%.
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Food costs in Connecticut
According to recent census data, the average spent weekly on food to prepare at home in Connecticut is $265.90, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Connecticut residents spend an average of $105.72 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Connecticut
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Connecticut is $3.56, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Connecticut is $1,342.04, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transportation is accessible and affordable in Connecticut. A 2024 ConsumerAffairs public transit study named Hartford, Connecticut, the No. 16 city for best public transportation. The fare per public transit trip there was 93 cents as of 2022.
Health care costs in Connecticut
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Connecticut employees $1,479 annually, with employers covering the remaining $7,171 of the $8,650 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Connecticut
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Connecticut is $97.15, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Connecticut costs $12.26 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Is Connecticut safe?
Yes, Connecticut actually ranked sixth in our 2023 list of the safest states in the nation.
What are the most expensive cities in Connecticut?
According to NAR data, cities and towns in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metro have the highest home prices as of the first quarter of 2024.
Is it expensive to live in Connecticut?
In our 2023 cost of living analysis, we found Connecticut had the fourth-highest cost of living in the nation.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
