Connecticut is one of the most charming places to live.
It has plenty of coastal towns and beautiful, lush rivers.
The average home sale price in Connecticut is $431,000.
With that being said, if you’re contemplating moving here and you’re on a budget, this guide will provide you with the most affordable places to live in the state.
All the places on this list have sale prices that are well below the state’s average.
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13 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Connecticut
1. Waterbury
First on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in Connecticut is Waterbury.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,000.
The average home price is $240,000.
Waterbury is located 25 miles from Hartford, which is the nearest metro area.
Nearly 114,000 people are living in Waterbury.
Living here enables you to take advantage of so much, including Hamilton Park or perhaps the Mattatuck Museum.
The town also offers plenty of local restaurants.
2. Hartford
Hartford is also on the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in Connecticut.
$1,678 is the average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment in Hartford.
Are you wondering what the median home price is?
It’s also below the state’s average and is $255,000.
Residents living in Hartford make an average of $36,154 annually. 121,100 people call Hartford home.
Hartford has a lot to offer those living here, including the Mark Twain House & Museum and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
Bushnell Park is also a perfect place to spend the afternoon.
3. Meriden
Meriden, CT, is another one of the most affordable towns to live in.
It’s located just 20 miles from Hartford and has an average median household income of $58,472.
Are you considering renting in Meriden?
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom in the area is just $1,000.
Just about 60,800 people are living in Meriden.
So, if you decide to move here, you can check out various parks, such as Doctor Francis Giuffrida Park and Hubbard Park.
Meridian Linear Trail is perfect for those who love nature.
4. Manchester
Even though Manchester is just a tad bit pricier to live in than Meriden, it’s worth putting on the list.
It’s located only 10 miles away from Hartford and has a median household income of $36,154.
On average, renters pay $1,715 for a one-bedroom apartment, which may still be suitable for those on a budget.
Even though Manchester is a small city with a population of 59,700, there’s still plenty to offer.
For example, the Cheney Rail Trail is ideal for those looking to hike.
Other options include the Lutz Children’s Museum and the Fire Museum.
5. New Britain
Coming in at number five for being one of the most affordable places to live in Connecticut is New Britain.
Whether you’re looking to rent or own, you can find something that fits your budget.
For instance, renters typically pay $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Home prices average around $266,000.
You can enjoy many perks without having to live in a major metro area.
New Britain offers museums, including the New Britain Museum of American Art and the New Britain Industrial Museum.
6. Bristol
Are you looking for another affordable town in Connecticut?
Bristol is also on the list for being very affordable.
It’s located just 20 miles away from Hartford.
For those interested in renting, prices start at around $1,110 for a one-bedroom apartment in Bristol.
For those looking to buy a home, costs typically average around $282,500.
Overall, it’s one of the best places to call home.
It has a lot to offer from the Carousel Museum, Birge Pond, American Clock and Watch Museum, and Page Park.
Downtown Bristol is also perfect, as there are many restaurants and shops.
7. East Hartford
East Hartford is another affordable place to live in Connecticut.
The population is 50,700, and it’s perfect for those looking to live close to a major metro area but looking for a more subtle option.
Located just 4 miles away from Hartford, renters here pay an average of $1,175 for a one-bedroom apartment.
But what about those looking for a house?
The average cost of a home in East Hartford is $285,773.
Do you love nature and just the feeling of being outside?
East Hartford is a great place to live, as the Great River Park is located here.
You can find amazing views of the Connecticut River.
8. West Haven
West Haven also made the list for being one of the most affordable towns to live in.
$1,170 is the average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment in West Haven.
It is only 5 miles from New Haven, for those looking to be close to a large metropolis.
Residents living here make an average of $64,255 per year.
West Haven is amazing, as it offers plenty of amenities.
For instance, you can spend the day relaxing at Sea Bluff Beach or indulge in nature at the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary.
Ward Heitmann House Museum is also worth checking out.
9. Bridgeport
Bridgeport also tops the list for being one of the cheapest places in Connecticut to live.
Are you indecisive about whether to rent or buy in Bridgeport?
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom in Bridgeport is $1,050.
However, if you plan on buying a home, the average home sale price is $327,500.
New York City is 60 miles away from Bridgeport, which is the closest major metro area.
Popular attractions in Bridgeport include Beardsley Zoo, Fayerweather Island Lighthouse, and Downtown Bridgeport.
Here, you’ll be able to check out various shops, museums, and some excellent restaurants.
10. New Haven
New Haven is a well-known town in Connecticut.
But besides being well-known, it’s also a highly affordable place to live.
The average sale price of a home in New Haven is $361,000.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,287.
Explore the grounds of Yale University if you’re looking for something exciting to do.
You can also check out the Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Knights of Columbus Museum if you’re interested in history.
Locals here also enjoy the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library located in town.
11. Stratford
If your budget is just a little bit higher than the previously listed towns, but you still want something affordable, Stratford may be a great option.
The average cost of a home in Stratford is around $431,000.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,595.
Stratford is a great area for those who enjoy a city feel without congestion.
Stratford has a couple of beaches in town to enjoy, including Short Beach and Long Beach.
If you are up for exploring nature, you can check out Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
12. Milford
Milford is next on the list for affordability.
Renters pay an average of $2,272 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city.
For homes, $415,000 is the average sale price.
It’s located just 60 miles from New York City.
Milford also has a lot to offer individuals living here, including the Milford Historical Society and the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center.
You can also check out the local beaches if you’re up for a day of relaxation.
13. Danbury
Last on the list for being one of the cheapest cities in Connecticut is Danbury.
Located 60 miles from New York City, the average cost of a home in Danbury is $431,000.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom in Danbury is $2,225.
Besides affordability, there are other reasons you may decide to move to Danbury.
There are many things to do, including Wooster Mountain State Park Scenic Reserve and Danbury Railway Museum.
Just along Main Street, you’ll find some amazing restaurants, venues, and shops.
Connecticut Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Connecticut Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ways to save money when buying a home in Connecticut?
One tip to keep in mind when looking for ways to save money is to shop in affordable areas only.
But besides that, you want to make sure that you work with a real estate agent who is experienced.
This is because experienced agents can help you find homes that are considered hidden gems.
They can also negotiate to lower the sale price of a home.
What’s a good rule of thumb to follow when determining how much I can afford to purchase in Connecticut?
When looking to determine how much of a home you can afford, it’s recommended to use the 28/36 rule.
But what does this mean?
It simply means that your housing expenses should not surpass 28% of your income.
In addition, your total debt should not surpass 36%.
What is the cost of living in Connecticut?
The cost of living in Connecticut is 16% above the national average.
The cost of housing is 25% above the national average, and the cost of utilities is 29% higher.
Groceries, clothing, and food are also higher than the national average, 15% to be exact.
