Cost of Living in Connecticut, 2023
Connecticut is a great state with lots to offer. Whether you are interested in rich history and culture, bountiful beauty, or New England charm, there are plenty of things to enjoy in Connecticut.
Those who enjoy great views or consider themselves outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in Connecticut. That state has unbeatable landscapes ranging from scenic mountains to Long Island shorelines.
Since Connecticut has become such a popular place to live, the cost of living is somewhat higher in this state. But, you can find something within budget by taking a closer look at the cost of living in Connecticut. Good news, we’ve already done all the research, so you don’t have to. Start by checking out this apartment guide, then keep scrolling for all the details on building out your new budget in Connecticut.
Connecticut Housing Costs
Housing costs, either monthly mortgage payments or rent, are going to be one of your highest living expenses, regardless of where you choose to call home. Whether you’re looking to move to Connecticut or somewhere else, you’ll want to build a budget around your anticipated housing costs to get an idea of just how high they can be.
The cost of living, especially the cost of housing in Connecticut, is a bit higher than the national average. It’s essential to get an idea of what areas might be within your budget. For a more detailed breakdown, here is a list of average rent prices in the five most popular Connecticut cities, including Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, and Waterbury.
Though Connecticut’s rent prices are more expensive on average, you can find considerable savings by renting with a roommate. For example, if you rent in Waterbury and split the costs of renting a two-bedroom apartment, you can save approximately $600 per month. That adds up to $7,200 over a 12-month lease!
Connecticut has rental properties in all forms, from high-rise modern apartments to single-family homes in historic communities. Needless to say, there’s something to fit every renter’s taste in Connecticut.
Connecticut Transportation
Getting around in Connecticut can be costly with average annual transportation costs of $4,332 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. If you’re a family of four with two working parents and two children, you can anticipate paying around $11,773 in transportation costs on an annual basis.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) provides the state with many alternatives to driving, including three rail lines and express and local buses.
While public transportation is one option, having reliable transportation is easier. You can get a better idea of the costs associated with having your vehicle by looking at the average gas prices in the major cities in Connecticut:
- Bridgeport: $3.85/gallon
- New Haven: $3.72/gallon
- Stamford: $3.53/gallon
- Hartford: $3.73/gallon
- Waterbury: $3.42/gallon
Considering the national average is currently $3.32 per gallon of regular gas, Connecticut’s gasoline costs are relatively low.
Connecticut Food Costs
The average single Connecticut resident spends around $3,690 annually on food, roughly $307.50 per month. For a family of two, with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $10,806 annually, approximately $900.50 per month.
Note that these figures are associated with food that has been picked up at the local Stop & Shop, Greenway Market, or CTown Supermarkets and has been entirely prepared in the home. If you are anything short of a mastermind in the kitchen, you may also want to budget for additional food costs as well.
With so many delicious restaurants and iconic Connecticut foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals outside of your kitchen to embrace the culture of this beautiful state fully. Don’t forget to account for eating out in your budget, including trying out the famous lobster rolls, pizza, and steamed cheeseburgers.
To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant, with three courses, across Connecticut:
- Bridgeport: $80.00
- New Haven: $80.00
- Stamford: $100.00
- Hartford: $57.50
- Waterbury: $50.00
Connecticut Healthcare Costs
Regardless of where you choose to live, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should always be a top priority. It is essential to have proper health insurance whether you only see your doctor for regular checkups or suffer from chronic illnesses. Having good medical coverage can also be beneficial in emergencies to ensure you can afford any treatments necessary.
A single adult without children will pay around $3,046 for medical care in a single year. A family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $7,474, not including child care. To cover these two children, child care can add on an average of $18.376 per year.
Before making your big move, see what coverage is available in your new state by checking out the federal healthcare marketplace. If you happen to be relocating outside of an enrollment period, which usually falls in November, you can report your move to make sure you qualify for out-of-state coverage.
If you’re moving out of state and you’re still on your parents’ insurance plan, it is possible to maintain standing through their policy as long as you are under 26 years old. Before moving, check with your current provider to see which doctors fall in the network in your new location to be sure.
Connecticut Utilities
Depending on the city you move to, the average utility bills can vary. Considering the national average cost of utilities is $240 monthly, Connecticut is reasonable. Only Bridgeport is slightly above average. The average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment, is broken down by the major cities in Connecticut:
- Bridgeport: $242.12
- New Haven: $210.83
- Stamford: $163.20
- Hartford: $99.60
- Waterbury: $144.80
Keep in mind that these average costs do not include other expenses, such as the internet. The average monthly costs of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities is:
- Bridgeport: $74.28
- New Haven: $63.66
- Stamford: $63.50
- Hartford: $68.00
- Waterbury: $89.70
Other monthly bills to consider include your cell phone bill, which averages $94 a month in the country. To help save on some of these costs, you might be able to bundle your cell phone with your internet provider. Other discounts to look out for may include those for new customers, so don’t be afraid to ask your provider about these and more.
Connecticut Fitness and Entertainment
There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities in Connecticut. Before moving to Connecticut, take a look at this breakdown of some of these fitness and entertainment costs.
Fitness
Winters are frigid in Connecticut, with average lows dropping to 1°F in January. These cold climates can make outdoor exercise challenging in the wintertime. To maintain your fitness year-round, you might want to consider a gym membership.
Thankfully, the average cost of a monthly fitness club membership in Connecticut’s major cities is relatively low:
- Bridgeport: $22.87
- New Haven: $33.75
- Stamford: $67.50
- Hartford: $35.60
- Waterbury: $28.00
Connecticut has several types of outdoor activities that can help you save on costs as weather permits, including skating, skiing, swimming, and biking. But, if you plan to be outdoors year-round, remember that you’ll have to adjust your wardrobe accordingly, which will also come at an additional cost.
National and State Parks
Connecticut is home to two national parks, including Weir Farm National Historical Park and Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Additionally, there are 139 state parks. Some of the most popular national and state parks in Connecticut include:
- Wadsworth Falls State Park
- Sleeping Giant State Park
- Lovers Leap State Park
- Kent Falls State Park
- Hammonasset Beach State Park
Museums
You’ll find countless museums in Connecticut, great for year-round family entertainment. Some of the most famous museums in the state include:
- Mystic Aquarium in Mystic
- Connecticut Science Center in Hartford
- Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in New Haven
- The Children’s Museum in West Hartford
- Mystic Seaport in Mystic
Other Expenses to Consider in Connecticut
Connecticut is a great place to live. That being said, it’s important to note that here there are above average state income and sales taxes. Additionally, note that the property taxes are also higher than the national average for those looking to purchase a home in Connecticut.
Other expenses to consider include costs associated with big moves from out of state. Costs that sneak up on you may include things like movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. There will also be other fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other optional add-ons once you get to your new home.
Lastly, don’t forget about home furnishing expenses. You’ll want to do some decorating to make it feel like a home, after all. Check out a few tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget to avoid overspending in this area of your move.
Recommended Salary in Connecticut
Your recommended salary in Connecticut will depend on the type of lifestyle you plan to lead. You can look at a few different options to figure out an ideal salary.
Living Wage
The living wage in Connecticut is $15.98 an hour, which is the basic wage needed to pay for essentials such as housing, food, and necessities for an individual adult.
Average Salary Index
The average salary index in Connecticut is in the higher range across the country at $74,000 per year, which is roughly $19.77 an hour.
The 30% Rule
You can follow the 30% rule to determine your recommended salary in Connecticut. According to this rule, you should not be spending more than one-third of your gross income on rent.
For example, if you’re planning to rent in New Haven, the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,817. According to the 30% rule, your monthly wages should be at least $6,056a month or an annual salary of $72,860.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to move to a small state with a fantastic quality of life, Connecticut might be the state for you. Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Connecticut!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Connecticut in 2023:
How expensive is an apartment in Connecticut?
Depending on where you live in Connecticut, rents are on the rise. A one-bedroom apartment in Hartford, Connecticut costs $1,175. A two bedroom apartment in Hartford costs $1,250.
A one bedroom apartment in Waterbury costs $1,000. A two bedroom apartment costs $1,200.
In Bridgeport, a one bedroom apartment costs $1,455. A two bedroom apartment in Bridgeport costs $1,745.
A one bedroom apartment in New Haven costs $1,813. A two bedroom apartment in New Haven costs $2,073.
A one bedroom apartment in Stamford costs $1,989. A two bedroom apartment in Stamford costs $2,911.
What is the cheapest rent in Connecticut?
Currently, the cheapest rent in Connecticut is in Waterbury for a one-bedroom apartment. You can expect to pay an average of $1,000 in rent.
How expensive is it to live in Connecticut?
Living in Hartford, Connecticut costs $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Food costs about $3,690 a year in Connecticut. However, a family of four with two working adults and two children should expect to pay $10,806 per year for food.
It costs $4,332 for transportation in Connecticut annually for an individual. If you’re a family of two working adults and two children, you’ll spend around $11,773 in transportation costs each year.
How far is Connecticut from New York?
Connecticut to New York is 95.6 miles. It takes an hour and forty-six minutes via I-95 N and CT-8 N to get from New York to Connecticut. Train service from Connecticut to New York City is also available from Grand Central Station.
How far is Connecticut from Maryland?
Connecticut to Maryland is 300.9 miles via I-95 N and takes just under five hours to drive. Private bus service is also available.
What is the population of Connecticut?
According to the US Census Bureau, the population of Connecticut was 3,605,597 in 2021.
What is a good salary in Connecticut?
The Census Bureau reports that the average salary for Connecticut residents is $79,855. However, to stick to the rule of spending only 30% on your monthly income on rent, you only need an income of $47,000 to live comfortably in a one bedroom apartment in Hartford.
In Waterbury, Connecticut, you need a salary of $40,000 to live comfortably in a one bedroom apartment.
If you live comfortably in a one bedroom apartment in Bridgeport, you should earn at least $58,200.
You should earn $79,560 to live comfortably in a one bedroom apartment in Stamford.
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