Connecticut, a state known for its picturesque New England landscapes and affluent suburbs, offers a mix of urban and rural living experiences. The state boasts landmarks such as Yale University, Mystic Seaport, and the Mark Twain House. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from finance, insurance, manufacturing, and education sectors. Connecticut's tax structure includes relatively high income and property taxes, which can impact the overall affordability for residents. Despite the state's higher-than-average cost of living, there are still pockets within Connecticut that offer more affordable living options, particularly in areas away from the major metropolitan centers. The recent inflation and rising food costs have also influenced the cost of living, making it important to identify these more affordable regions.
Affordable living in Connecticut is often found in smaller towns and rural areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These areas provide a respite from the higher costs associated with more populated regions, allowing residents to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it directly impacts one's ability to live comfortably without financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Connecticut include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. The C2ER's cost of living data helps to highlight these regions, guiding potential residents in making informed decisions. In a state known for its high quality of life and scenic beauty, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience, making Connecticut an attractive place for those seeking economic and lifestyle benefits.
Rank | Location | Population | COL Index | Med. Home Value | Med. Household Inc. |
1 | Willimantic | 18,669 | 101 | $151,500 | $35,630 |
2 | Waterbury | 107,841 | 101 | $132,700 | $46,329 |
3 | Torrington | 34,259 | 102 | $153,800 | $60,662 |
4 | Rockville | 7,084 | 102 | $159,900 | $43,412 |
5 | Winsted | 6,504 | 103 | $164,900 | $49,848 |
6 | New Britain | 72,543 | 103 | $161,900 | $47,393 |
7 | Hartford | 122,549 | 104 | $170,200 | $36,154 |
8 | East Hartford | 50,036 | 104 | $168,300 | $59,954 |
9 | Meriden | 59,512 | 104 | $171,700 | $58,472 |
10 | Norwich | 39,112 | 104 | $170,800 | $57,565 |
11 | Manchester | 35,946 | 105 | $165,400 | $61,631 |
12 | Terryville | 5,019 | 106 | $190,100 | $60,221 |
13 | New London | 27,001 | 106 | $186,900 | $47,424 |
14 | Thompsonville | 8,563 | 106 | $179,900 | $50,417 |
15 | Hazardville | 6,216 | 106 | $183,900 | $92,238 |
16 | Putnam | 7,138 | 107 | $187,100 | $61,411 |
17 | Bristol | 60,039 | 108 | $198,600 | $68,485 |
18 | Windsor Locks | 12,732 | 108 | $195,200 | $72,090 |
19 | Naugatuck | 31,201 | 108 | $187,900 | $77,967 |
20 | Bridgeport | 145,014 | 109 | $186,000 | $47,484 |
21 | Groton | 8,999 | 110 | $223,300 | $51,941 |
22 | Derby | 12,420 | 110 | $199,300 | $58,534 |
23 | West Haven | 54,666 | 110 | $196,800 | $64,255 |
24 | Sherwood Manor | 5,901 | 110 | $193,500 | $84,792 |
25 | Portland | 5,937 | 111 | $222,900 | $76,908 |
26 | Colchester | 5,147 | 111 | $213,400 | $66,180 |
27 | Southwood Acres | 8,352 | 111 | $197,400 | $96,932 |
28 | New Haven | 130,381 | 112 | $205,100 | $44,507 |
29 | Ansonia | 18,709 | 112 | $217,800 | $53,709 |
30 | Oakville | 9,679 | 112 | $214,700 | $75,845 |
31 | Middletown | 46,406 | 112 | $234,300 | $62,022 |
32 | East Haven | 28,645 | 113 | $219,600 | $67,773 |
33 | Newington | 30,114 | 113 | $233,200 | $82,721 |
34 | Pawcatuck | 5,024 | 114 | $250,600 | $67,373 |
35 | Wethersfield | 26,068 | 115 | $257,200 | $90,881 |
36 | Wallingford Center | 18,948 | 115 | $248,100 | $72,589 |
37 | Conning Towers Nautilus Park | 9,606 | 115 | $226,100 | $61,806 |
38 | Storrs | 16,392 | 116 | $236,800 | $25,586 |
39 | Stratford | 52,300 | 117 | $249,600 | $69,336 |
40 | Kensington | 9,685 | 117 | $268,700 | $97,064 |
41 | New Milford | 6,749 | 117 | $259,500 | $66,097 |
42 | Branford Center | 5,845 | 118 | $257,700 | $68,067 |
43 | Glastonbury Center | 8,483 | 122 | $307,600 | $89,375 |
44 | North Haven | 23,665 | 124 | $297,000 | $104,812 |
45 | Cheshire Village | 6,491 | 124 | $333,500 | $91,170 |
46 | West Hartford | 63,023 | 125 | $330,100 | $105,230 |
47 | Bethel | 10,839 | 126 | $309,300 | $64,800 |
48 | Simsbury Center | 6,271 | 127 | $307,500 | $109,245 |
49 | Danbury | 84,650 | 128 | $311,200 | $73,204 |
50 | Milford city | 52,902 | 128 | $319,900 | $95,785 |
To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Connecticut, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).
The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.