F
29%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
74%
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 Shelton Connecticut National
Cost of living129118100
Goods & Services108109100
Groceries99102100
Health care113109100
Housing174137100
Transportation103100100
Utilities133130100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Shelton, CT

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Shelton? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Shelton stands at 129, making it 29% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Shelton may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Shelton falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Shelton cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 74.3% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Shelton?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 9 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Shelton. The results indicated that 11% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 89% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Shelton Affordable?

Is Shelton affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Shelton, the median home price is 86.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 44.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Shelton boasting a median household income of $98,873, 78.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Shelton?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Shelton, the housing index is 74.3% higher than the national average.

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 Shelton, the groceries index registers 1% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Shelton, the utilities index is 33.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Shelton displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Shelton is 9% higher than the Connecticut average
  • The cost of living in Shelton is 29% higher than the national average
  • Shelton housing is 74% 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 Shelton

See all the best places to live around Shelton

Compare Shelton, CT Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Shelton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Shelton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Shelton 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$110,260$9,188$2,573$3,308
      Renters$44,707$3,726$1,043$1,341
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Shelton, CT, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Shelton, the median monthly income is $110,260 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,573 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $44,707, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,043 on monthly rental expenses.

      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 Shelton 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 Shelton 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 Shelton 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 Shelton National avg. Difference
      Home Price $345,200.00$184,700.0086.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,730.18$2,346.6959.0%
      Apartment Rent $1,375.00$949.0044.9%

      Transportation

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

      Utilities

      Item Shelton 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.
      Naugatuck, CT31,2011088.4%
      Bridgeport, CT145,0141098.9%
      Derby, CT12,4201109.7%
      West Haven, CT54,66611010.1%
      Heritage Village, CT4,46511010.1%
      Shelton, CT41,16212928.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kearny, NJ41,19012727.5%
      Moline, IL41,213909.5%
      Weslaco, TX41,1038119.1%
      Findlay, OH41,098936.5%
      Greenacres, FL41,2421055.1%
      Shelton, CT41,16212928.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.