B
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
15%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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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 Willimantic Connecticut National
Cost of living101118100
Goods & Services108109100
Groceries101102100
Health care103109100
Housing85137100
Transportation96100100
Utilities127130100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Willimantic, CT

Knowing the cost of living in Willimantic allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Willimantic stands at 101, marking it 1% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Willimantic is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Willimantic Affordable?

Is Willimantic 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 Willimantic, the median home price is 18% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 7.2% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Willimantic boasting a median household income of $35,630, 35.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Willimantic?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Willimantic, the groceries index is 0.7% higher 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 Willimantic, the utilities index is 26.6% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Willimantic, the transportation index is 3.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Willimantic 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.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Willimantic is 15% lower than the Connecticut average
  • The cost of living in Willimantic is 1% higher than the national average
  • Willimantic housing is 15% lower than the national average
  • Connecticut general sales tax is 24% higher than the national average
  • Connecticut state income tax is 16% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Willimantic

See all the best places to live around Willimantic

Compare Willimantic, CT Cost of Living

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      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$70,865$5,905$1,653$2,126
      Renters$21,875$1,823$510$656
      The affordability of the housing market in Willimantic, CT as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Willimantic homeowners, the median income is $70,865. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,653 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $21,875. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $510 for their rent related monthly 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 Willimantic National avg. Difference
      Haircut $33.78$24.2639.2%
      Beauty Salon $58.55$45.5628.5%
      Toothpaste $3.65$3.701.5%
      Shampoo $1.42$1.2810.9%
      Movie $12.85$12.135.9%
      Bowling $18.33$18.001.9%

      Groceries

      Item Willimantic National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.23$5.846.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.46$1.577.4%
      Milk $4.73$4.671.2%
      Potatoes $4.96$4.930.6%
      Pizza $10.79$12.0910.7%
      Beer $10.49$10.410.8%

      Health Care

      Item Willimantic National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $166.22$125.6832.3%
      Doctor $182.50$135.7834.4%
      Dentist $127.00$113.2912.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.89$10.652.2%
      Lipitor $384.88$468.6017.9%

      Housing

      Item Willimantic National avg. Difference
      Home Price $151,500.00$184,700.0018.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,110.08$2,346.6910.1%
      Apartment Rent $881.00$949.007.2%

      Transportation

      Item Willimantic National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.34$3.463.4%
      Tire Balancing $71.63$59.9219.5%

      Utilities

      Item Willimantic National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $302.09$193.9955.7%
      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.
      South Windham, CT1,4751010.8%
      Rockville, CT7,0841022.4%
      Jewett City, CT3,3871043.9%
      Norwich, CT39,1121044.5%
      Baltic, CT1,2901065.8%
      Willimantic, CT18,6691010.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Augusta, ME18,662981.5%
      Cedar Mill, OR18,66116867.9%
      Petawawa, ON18,660n/a 
      Homewood, IL18,6561010.7%
      Point Pleasant, NJ18,68613535.5%
      Willimantic, CT18,6691010.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.