D
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
10%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Derby Connecticut National
Cost of living110118100
Goods & Services108109100
Groceries99102100
Health care113109100
Housing110137100
Transportation103100100
Utilities133130100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Derby, CT

The cost of living in Derby affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Derby is 110, which is 10% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Derby aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Derby residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Derby Affordable?

Is Derby an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Derby is 7.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 16% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Derby has a median household income of $58,534, which is 5.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Derby?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Derby, the groceries index registers 1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Derby cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Derby Area
Search Homes for Sale in Derby, CT

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Derby is 7% lower than the Connecticut average
  • The cost of living in Derby is 10% higher than the national average
  • Derby housing is 10% higher than the national average
  • Connecticut general sales tax is 24% higher than the national average
  • Connecticut state income tax is 33% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Derby

See all the best places to live around Derby

Compare Derby, CT Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Derby?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Derby?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Derby poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$81,250$6,771$1,896$2,438
      Renters$33,425$2,785$780$1,003
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Derby, CT, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Derby homeowners, is $81,250. This would allow for a maximum of $1,896 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $33,425 which would result in a maximum of $780 to be spent on rental costs.

      Connecticut Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Connecticut 6.35% 6.35%

      Connecticut Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Connecticut 3% 6.99%

      Goods & Services

      Item Derby National avg. Difference
      Haircut $39.78$24.2664.0%
      Beauty Salon $69.00$45.5651.4%
      Toothpaste $3.86$3.704.2%
      Shampoo $1.47$1.2814.8%
      Movie $15.07$12.1324.2%
      Bowling $24.00$18.0033.3%

      Groceries

      Item Derby National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.28$5.847.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.59$1.571.4%
      Milk $4.83$4.673.3%
      Potatoes $5.03$4.932.0%
      Pizza $13.21$12.099.3%
      Beer $10.53$10.411.1%

      Health Care

      Item Derby National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $134.70$125.687.2%
      Doctor $162.26$135.7819.5%
      Dentist $136.03$113.2920.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.26$10.655.7%
      Lipitor $375.63$468.6019.8%

      Housing

      Item Derby National avg. Difference
      Home Price $199,300.00$184,700.007.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,730.18$2,346.6959.0%
      Apartment Rent $1,101.00$949.0016.0%

      Transportation

      Item Derby National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.47$3.460.2%
      Tire Balancing $63.33$59.925.7%

      Utilities

      Item Derby National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $296.64$193.9952.9%
      Phone $185.16$192.253.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Meriden, CT59,5121044.4%
      Naugatuck, CT31,2011088.4%
      Bridgeport, CT145,0141098.9%
      West Haven, CT54,66611010.1%
      Heritage Village, CT4,46511010.1%
      Derby, CT12,4201109.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      North St. Paul, MN12,4211032.8%
      Blue Ash, OH12,41711716.7%
      West Monroe, LA12,4318316.7%
      Brock, ON12,406n/a 
      Markham, IL12,401963.9%
      Derby, CT12,4201109.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.