By Dana Webb
(Last Updated – 02/2025)
Busy cities, quaint waterside towns, rolling hills with farmland views — Connecticut has it all (not to mention some great pizza). But it also has a fairly high cost of living. The popular Stamford area, a busy city and a commuter suburb of New York City, for example, weighs in at 45 percentage points above the national average. And the state’s real estate taxes are among the highest in the nation. Health care costs and utilities also take a particular bite out of the budget in Connecticut.
Fortunately, we’ve managed to find some more affordable spots so you can enjoy all Connecticut has to offer without breaking the bank.
Best Places to Live in Connecticut
This is a small state and you’re never too far from a beach or hiking trail or other striking natural beauty. If you’re building a budget in preparation for a move to Connecticut, one thing to keep in mind is that the state charges a property tax for motor vehicles. Want to compare Connecticut to other states? Check out a guide to the cost of living by state.
Best Affordable Places to Live in Connecticut
In a state with prices as relatively high as Connecticut, it can be a struggle to find truly affordable places to live and you may need to steer clear of some of the better-known towns if cost of living is a concern. But the best affordable places to live in Connecticut are often within an easy drive of New York City or Boston, as well as Hartford, the state’s capital, and where its major airport is located. Each of these towns and cities has a lot to offer.
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1. Torrington
Photo credit: iStock/Jennifer Yakey-Ault
West of Hartford, in the picturesque Litchfield Hills, is Torrington, the largest city in Litchfield county. Like many towns in this state of river valleys, it’s a former manufacturing center with a historic downtown area. Today, Torrington is home to the Warner Theatre, Nutmeg Conservatory, and many art galleries. A state forest and ample parks, plus a children’s museum, make this a welcoming setting for arts aficionados, outdoorsy types, families, and everyone in between.
Population: 35,550
Median Household Income: $69,611
Cost of Living: 96% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,600
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.8
2. New Britain
Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr
Located in the middle of the state, New Britain has easy access to highways running up to Hartford and Boston and down to New York City. It’s also home to a lively arts scene, including the New Britain Museum of American Art. The headquarters of Stanley Black & Decker is here, and the downtown area houses Central Connecticut State University, so the town is diverse. New Britain has a large Polish population and hosts an annual Polish festival. New Britain boasts some beautiful historic districts as well as a vigorous rental market. If this is your first time purchasing a home, consider using a first-time homebuyer guide to learn more about the process before you start shopping.
Population: 74,080
Median Household Income: $57,036
Cost of Living: 98% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,650
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.8
3. Canterbury
Photo credit: Flickr/JJBers , Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
Canterbury, in the eastern part of the state, is home to lovely historic architecture and many of the quaint charms of New England, including alpaca and dairy farms, antique stores, farm stands, and farm-to-table restaurants. If you’re looking for a more rural way of life, this could be your sweet spot. Canterbury’s proximity to Providence, Rhode Island and Boston means that there are some higher priced homes that would require a jumbo mortgage loan sprinkled into the mix.
Population: 5,140
Median Household Income: $99,487
Cost of Living: 101% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,250
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.8
Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Families
Towns that offer families recreational opportunities, a significant concentration of other households in the same lifestage (hello, playdates!), and the conveniences of shops and services geared toward busy parents rank highly on our list. Get to know the best places in Connecticut to live for families.
1. Avon
Photo credit: Flickr/pedrik , Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
It’s easy to see why parents would be attracted to the area. It offers relatively affordable homes in proximity to the jobs of a major city. And there are abundant parks, ball fields, and other outdoor opportunities for those raising children. Families who enjoy hiking and biking will appreciate the rails-to-trails pathway. Parents are drawn to the area’s well-regarded public schools, and the town is also the home of Avon Old Farms School, a prestigious boarding school.
Population: 18,883
Median Household Income: $151,481
Cost of Living: 109% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,300
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.5
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2. Granby
Photo credit: iStock/Jennifer Yakey-Ault
Granby and the nearby town of East Granby are somewhat distant suburbs of Hartford that are also located not far from Springfield, Massachusetts. More rural than some of the other Hartford-area suburbs, these communities have easy access to hiking trails, bike paths, and farmland. About a third of the households here have children, and parents appreciate the area’s strong public school system. If you’re looking for a new home for your family, read up on the different types of mortgage loans so you’ll be prepared when it’s time to seal the deal.
Population: 11,249
Median Household Income: $117,476
Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,000
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.8
3. Woodbridge
Just north and west of New Haven, Woodbridge is conveniently located for families who want easy access to regular commuter trains to New York City, but who also desire proximity to the forest, the beach, and other outdoor recreation. Families also like the town’s well-rated public schools, rural feel, and historic homes. Owning a home near New Haven and its conveniences can be costly, and if you’re interested in buying, studying up on some of the tips to qualify for a mortgage could be helpful.
Population: 9,021
Median Household Income: $201,926
Cost of Living: 111% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,995
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.0
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Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Young Adults
Young adults looking for an affordable place to live are likely also seeking proximity to a solid job market, ample opportunities for entertainment, and plenty of other young adults. These areas made our list of the best places to live in Connecticut for young adults.
1. Manchester
Photo credit: iStock/Pugalenthi
This urban/suburban area near Hartford was a 19th-century center for textile manufacturing. Today it offers lots of shopping and dining options, including a vibrant brewery and cider culture. It’s a short drive to Hartford for work or the cultural events the big city offers. The median age here is 36, and most households don’t have kids.
Population: 59,408
Median Household Income: $87,213
Cost of Living: 104% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $1,660
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.5
2. Hartford
Photo credit: iStock/SeanPavonePhoto
If you like a robust arts and restaurant scene, plus major sporting events and a concert venue that draws top-notch acts, Hartford could be a good spot for you. The population is large and diverse, and there are large employers in the insurance industry as well as in health care and government. The trendy Parkville Market food hall is an all-season gathering place for young city dwellers. And the cost of living is 13% lower than in Connecticut as a whole.
Population: 119,669
Median Household Income: $45,300
Cost of Living: 100% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $1,500
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.0
3. New London
Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr
This diverse waterfront community in eastern Connecticut is small, and three-quarters of households do not have children. There are plenty of bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Young adults who like a maritime New England atmosphere and proximity to beaches in the summer months will want to check out New London, which is less than an hour by car from Hartford, New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island, and mere minutes from Groton, home of a U.S. Navy submarine base.
Population: 27,650
Median Household Income: $60,123
Cost of Living: 112% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $1,800
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.9
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Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Retirees
If you don’t mind a New England winter, Connecticut offers some advantages for retirees who can fit the state’s prices, which are higher than national averages, into their budget. The Nutmeg State has a highly ranked health system as well as plenty of natural beauty. You can be in the mountains or at the shore from most any location here pretty quickly, and locating near a major city such as New Haven or Hartford also provides access to world-class arts and cultural opportunities.
1. Avon
Photo credit: Flickr/John Cudworth, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic
Avon is popular with retirees as well as with families. A strong local health care system and proximity to Hartford make this an attractive home base. The local area boasts abundant restaurants, museums, and other cultural institutions within a 30-minute drive, as well as several golf courses, hiking trails, and protected bike paths, making it a good headquarters for active types. If you’re looking to downsize into a condo or apartment, the town and its neighbor, Simsbury, together offer more than five retirement living communities for elders.
Population: 18,883
Median Household Income: $151,481
Cost of Living: 109% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,300
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.5
2. Southbury
Population: 20,127
Median Household Income: $112,434
Cost of Living: 110% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,400
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.9
3. Glastonbury
Photo credit: iStock/Holcy
Located 10 miles southeast of Hartford, this Connecticut River town has access to the health care and cultural activities of the city. Local activities for seniors include a Senior Lunch Program, and there is an active Senior Center for those 50+. There are several retirement communities in the area.
Population: 35,204
Median Household Income: $150,290
Cost of Living: 116% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,800
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.3
Best Places to Live in Connecticut Near the Beach
Connecticut’s shore is on the Long Island Sound and it’s a mix of beaches, bluffs, and tidal wetlands. Beaches are only about 14% of the 87 miles of coastline, and properties on the beach are costly. Some beaches are open just to town residents and others require a paid permit, so a day at the beach isn’t always, well, a day at the beach. These places to live near the beach are both relatively affordable and have proximity to public beach access.
1. Groton
Photo credit: iStock/CHBD
This town, home to a Naval submarine base, also boasts three well-regarded public beaches, including Esker Point Beach, which has parking and changing rooms. Bordered by two rivers, Groton is also not far from Hartford, New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island. There is a range of housing options, from historic homes to modern condo apartments.
Population: 37,878
Median Household Income: $83,547
Cost of Living: 115% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,100
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.7
2. Stratford
Photo credit: iStock/BrandtDiLauro
Situated on Long Island Sound near the mouth of the Housatonic River, Stratford has 18 miles of coastline, two public beaches, and five marinas. Nature lovers will appreciate that the town is also close to a forest, a salt marsh, and a wildlife refuge.
Population: 52,454
Median Household Income: $93,820
Cost of Living: 119% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,254
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.5
3. Clinton
Photo credit: Flickr/slack12 , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic
A half-hour by car east of New Haven, Clinton has a local beach and residents can purchase a beach pass for $25 per year. (Nonresidents pay steeper fees). But it is also close to Hammonasset Beach State Park, with free access for Connecticut residents. Like other beach towns, it borders the Long Island Sound and there are also marinas here. Clinton also offers a bustling outlet center, a local vineyard, and sport fishing tours.
Population: 13,402
Median Household Income: $116,023
Cost of Living: 126% of U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $2,500
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.5
The Takeaway
Living in Connecticut can be costly, but whether you want a first apartment post-college, a retirement nest, or a headquarters for your growing family, there are options available that offer the best of the Constitution State’s natural beauty, historical treasures, and arts and cultural experiences.
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FAQ
What Connecticut town has the lowest cost of living?
The Hartford area has the lowest cost of living among Connecticut cities and the same overall cost of living as the U.S. as a whole. Its housing, utilities, transportation, and health care costs are all lower than in the other large urban areas. If you are open to a smaller town, travel due west of Hartford to Torrington, which has a cost of living that is 96% of the U.S. average.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Connecticut?
The cheapest housing costs in Connecticut tend to be in smaller towns outside Hartford such as Torrington, Winsted, or Bristol.
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