Connecticut, as the third smallest state, is the 29th most populous in the United States.
This state offers a good diversity of cultures, religions, heritage, and employment opportunities.
Living in Connecticut can be very attractive because there is always a lot of activities to do.
From visiting museums, roller coasters, mountains, seaside restaurants to fishing, taking the ferry to Gillette castle, sunbathing, etc., you will never be bored in this state.
But what about the cost of living in Connecticut?
Have you ever thought about these costs and how big they can really be?
Аbove all which are the cities in Connecticut that have the highest prices for a living?
Keep reading this post, and we will answer all your questions.
Contents
Cost of Living in Connecticut
Living in Connecticut is more costly than it is on average across the U.S. as a whole.
Due to that, compared with all other states, Connecticut has the eighth-highest overall cost of living.
In this state, goods and services cost 6.1 % more than they do worldwide.
While it has four metropolitan areas, the most costly is the Bridgeport–Stamford–Norwalk metro area.
Here, the cost of goods and services is 15.3% higher than the national average and 9.2% higher than the statewide average.
Summing up, Connecticut is not a cheap state for living.
In the post below, let’s have a detailed look at some of the essential costs of living in Connecticut.
Housing Costs
Generally, everyone is interested in housing as, a matter of fact, that is one of the huge factors of the cost of living.
Surprisingly Connecticut is one of the highest residential home markets in the U.S.
Buying a home in this state can be a long and complex process.
Besides, once you have purchased and moved into your new home, there will be utility and maintenance costs, as well as property taxes and home insurance that will add to your cost of living.
So, even though the advantages of living in Connecticut are many, the high cost of buying a home is definitely not one of them.
The typical home here is worth $272,700, while the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $950 or more.
Utility Costs
Connecticut’s average monthly cost for all utilities is $496.07, higher than the national average of $422.08.
However, this is not an enormous difference.
Let’s take a look at the average monthly utilities in Connecticut.
An electricity – $139.97, natural gas – $84.67, while for Internet the cost is $60, monthly.
Food Costs
The increase in food prices that occurred two years ago doesn’t seem likely to change shortly.
In Connecticut, a single adult spends an average of $3,477 on food annually, and a family of four spends $10,043 on average.
Depending on where you live, the food costs vary.
Transportation Costs
Transportation is an equally major factor when talking about the cost of living.
In Connecticut, the average cost of gas is $2.22, which is not a high cost.
Even more, you can buy a monthly fare ticket, which is about $30.15.
Other transportation costs, like car insurance premiums, can vary from city to city.
In general, the average car insurance premium is $1,479.
Health Care Costs
As for health care, there is no doubt that Connecticut is rated in 5th place out of all states in overall healthcare access and affordability.
Connecticut residents pay an average of $134 for a one doctor visit, while new patients, who are not residents, pay $150.18.
Also, pediatric medicine has high prices for examinations too.
For example, the most common pediatric medicine visit costs $160.10 for established patients.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Just as the cost of living varies from state to state, it also varies from city to city.
Let’s analyze the five most populous cities, which actually have the highest costs for living.
Hartford
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut.
The most expensive costs in this city are tickets to movies and theatre.
For instance, two tickets to the movies are around $30, while two tickets to the theatre are enormously $172.
On the other side, there are plenty of famous restaurants, but the prices are incredibly high.
The regular lunchtime menu for one person (including a drink) in the business district costs $26.
As for renting, we can say that not everyone can afford these costs.
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area is $1,873, and in normal area $1,529.
Stamford
Stamford is in Fairfield County and is one of the best cities to live in Connecticut.
The average income in Stamford comes in at $93,059, and the average home value is $532,700, which makes housing costs expensive.
Another point here is that food prices in supermarkets and restaurants are also too high.
Keeping in mind that in Stamford, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, we have analyzed the most relevant parts when speaking about food.
For example, a loaf of bread is $3.85, dozen eggs – $1.82, while a gallon of milk is $2.15.
Norwalk
The average home price in this city is $630,273, and the energy bill per month is incredibly $186.94.
Also, it is necessary to mark that healthcare is 14% higher than the national average.
Accordingly, a doctor’s visit can cost you $125.77, while the dentist’s visit is from $108.04 up.
New Haven
The cost of living in New Haven is 23% higher than the national average.
In this city, you have to pay $181.74 per month only for the energy bill.
Not to mention that healthcare in New Haven is 17% higher than the national average.
E.g., a doctor’s visit can cost you $129, a dentist visit – $110.90, while a veterinary visit for your pet is above $70.
Moreover, New Haven has food prices that are 28% higher than the national average.
To list, a loaf of bread in a supermarket costs $4.27, a carton of eggs is $2.32, while one gallon of milk is above $3.
Bridgeport
With 148,654 people, Bridgeport is the 1st most populated city in Connecticut.
While it is the most populated city, it is also the most expensive city in this state.
The median home value is $299,600, which makes this city the most expensive in housing costs.
But it is not just these costs that make this city expensive for living.
Eating only one hamburger in a downtown city can cost you around $5, while food prices in supermarkets are the same as previously mentioned in cities.
So, thoroughly think before you start visiting these five cities.
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
Additional Resources
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Cost of Living in Massachusetts Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Oregon Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Ohio Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Missouri Cities: These Are the Top 5
