Connecticut attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Cheaper houses, top education and affordable living. You can’t go wrong with the Constitution State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $300,000. Hartford’s cost of living is 6.3% lower than the state average, and New Britain is 6.3% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Homes in East Hartford’s friendly community cater to retirees, and average around $278K. Meanwhile, New London offers a strong education, healthcare, and technology job market, with median home prices at just $285,337.
Cheapest Places to Live in Connecticut in 2024
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hartford | $176,309 | $1,480 | 6.3% lower ⬇️ | $41,841 | 119,669 |
| 2. Waterbury | $256,081 | $1,500 | 2.3% lower ⬇️ | $51,451 | 114,990 |
| 3. Norwich | $266,236 | $1,650 | 4.5% lower ⬇️ | $62,713 | 39,881 |
| 4. Torrington | $270,961 | $1,500 | 5.3% lower ⬇️ | $66,616 | 35,550 |
| 5. New Britain | $270,454 | $1,650 | 6.3% lower ⬇️ | $53,766 | 74,080 |
| 6. East Hartford | $278,968 | $1,400 | 6.3% lower ⬇️ | $64,244 | 50,654 |
| 7. New London | $285,337 | $1,696 | 4.5% lower ⬇️ | $56,237 | 27,560 |
| 8. Bristol | $312,477 | $1,600 | 6.3% lower ⬇️ | $82,094 | 61,601 |
| 9. Meriden | $294,867 | $1,550 | 2.3% lower ⬇️ | $63,671 | 60,111 |
| 10. Milford | $468,323 | $2,428 | 2.3% lower ⬇️ | $104,503 | 52,793 |
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in Connecticut into three categories: for families, for young adults, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the Connecticut real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Connecticut
Here’s our list of the 10 best affordable places to live in Connecticut that offer affordable living options:
#1 Hartford
- Median house rent is $1,480 | Rental prices range between $600 and $5,500.
- Median home value of Hartford is $176,309.
- Cost of living in Hartford is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Hartford, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Hartford should be your top choice if you are a college student or young professional. This is because it is home to .the UCONN School of Law and the University of Hartford. It has a low unemployment rate of 2.4% and offers several jobs in the insurance industry this has earned it the nickname ‘Insurance Capital of the World’.
» Hartford Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the most affordable place to live in Connecticut.
#2 Waterbury
- Median house rent is $1,500 | Rental prices range between $500 and $3,300.
- Median home value of Waterbury is $256,081.
- Cost of living in Waterbury is 2.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Waterbury, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Home to large industrial brass plants since the early 20th century, Waterbury is also known as Brass City. The Waterbury Clock Company buildings and the Place Theater are popular spots for entertainment and recreation. Besides, the presence of key firms like Paradigm Healthcare and Webster Bank makes it ideal for young professionals.
» Waterbury Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in one of the most affordable places to live in CT.
#3 Norwich
- Median house rent is $1,650 | Rental prices range between $850 and $8,250.
- Median home value of Norwich is $266,236.
- Cost of living in Norwich is 4.5% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Norwich, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Norwich is one of the most affordable cities to live in Connecticut. Mohegan Park is one of this area’s beautiful landmarks for nature lovers. Backus Hospital and Norwich Public Utilities are the top employers in the city. For dining purposes, restaurants like Bella Fiore and Lazizah Bakery for diverse cuisine.
» Norwich Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the cheapest cities to live in Connecticut.
#4 Torrington
- Median house rent is $1,500 | Rental prices range between $800 and $2,700.
- Median home value of Torrington is $270,961.
- Cost of living in Torrington is 5.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Torrington, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Known for its performing arts scene, the Warner Theatre is a cultural gem in Torrington. The presence of Torrington High School adds to its appeal for families seeking a community-oriented lifestyle. The healthcare and civil construction sectors are major local employers. Its affordability and charm appeals to families and young professionals alike.
» Torrington Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the cheapest places to live in CT.
Try Connecticut’s #1 Mortgage Calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
#5 New Britain
- Median house rent is $1,650 | Rental prices range between $750 and $9,500.
- Median home value of New Britain is $270,454.
- Cost of living in New Britain is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in New Britain, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
New Britain, known as the ‘Hardware City’, boasts a rich industrial heritage. The New Britain Museum of American Art highlights the city’s cultural vibrancy. An individual’s average monthly food expenses are 59.9% lower than the state average. This makes it one of the most cost-effective places to live in Connecticut for young professionals.
» New Britain Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in New Britain.
#6 East Hartford
- Median house rent is $1,400 | Rental prices range between $795 and $3,500.
- Median home value of East Hartford is $278,968.
- Cost of living in East Hartford is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in East Hartford, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
East Hartford is home to the Goodwin University and a major hub for aerospace innovation. Pratt & Whitney is a key local employer, which makes it ideal for engineering professionals. Besides, the Strawberry Festival is a popular annual event. It aims to foster community ties around the collective production and marketing of strawberries.
» East Hartford Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Connecticut.
#7 New London
- Median house rent is $1,696 | Rental prices range between $900 and $6,000.
- Median home value of New London is $285,337.
- Cost of living in New London is 4.5% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in New London, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
New London is one of the most affordable cities in Connecticut, with a local economy based on higher education and tourism. The Mystic Seaport is a key attraction and major employer alongside Connecticut College. You could also enjoy a beautiful sunset walk in Ocean Beach Park, or spend the day admiring sculptures at the Garde Arts Center.
» New London Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the most affordable places in Connecticut to live.
#8 Bristol
- Median house rent is $1,600 | Rental prices range between $850 and $3,750.
- Median home value of Bristol is $312,477.
- Cost of living in Bristol is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Bristol, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Bristol is known for its close-knit community and historical attractions like the American Clock & Watch Museum. It is home to Lake Compounce, the oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. The Parkside Cafe, Bristol Pizza Restaurant, and Main Street and Plate are popular spots to get quick bites or wine and dine.
» Bristol Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for sale in Connecticut.
#9 Meriden
- Median house rent is $1,550 | Rental prices range between $710 and $4,000.
- Median home value of Meriden is $294,867.
- Cost of living in Meriden is 2.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Meriden, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Public transportation in Meriden costs 7.7% lower than in other US cities. Moreover, Meriden offers several hiking trails in the nearby Hubbard Park and Hanging Hills. A broad scope of outdoor activities especially appeals to adventure enthusiasts. Additionally, MidState Medical Center is a key local employer.
» Meriden Homes for Sale: Explore cheap and affordable housing in Connecticut.
#10 Milford
- Median house rent is $2,428 | Rental prices range between $850 and $7,998.
- Median home value of Milford is $468,323.
- Cost of living in Milford is 2.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Milford, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Milford is a coastal city with beautiful beaches and lively shopping centers. Besides, shipbuilding is a major local industry and SilverSky is a key employer. Walnut Beach and Milford Harbor also offer scenic walks and picturesque sunsets. This mix of a strong economy and entertainment options makes it ideal for families and professionals alike.
» Milford Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the cheapest places to live in CT.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Connecticut?
If you want to move to Connecticut, you will find cheap houses for sale in Connecticut under 200K in cities like Hartford, Waterbury, and Norwich. They also offer stable job opportunities and cost less to live in than other Connecticut cities.
Cities like Bristol and Milford are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Connecticut.
📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in Connecticut
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in CT.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
Find An Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of tiny homes for sale in Connecticut on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in Connecticut, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to live in Connecticut?
The cheapest place to live in Connecticut is Hartford. It offers some of the most affordable housing options in the State, at 53.7% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in CT: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Connecticut.
Is it expensive to live in Connecticut?
No, it is not. The median home value is $405,595. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you should explore some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Connecticut?
The best place to live in Connecticut is Hartford, followed by Meriden, Manchester, New London, Bristol, Bridgeport, and Norwich.
Which Connecticut city has the lowest cost of living?
Hartford has the lowest cost of living, which is 6.3% lower than the state average.
