A flourishing job market, an excellent education system, and economic stability have motivated more than 57,000 people to move to Connecticut. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of $411K, Connecticut can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Constitution State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Hartford and Norwich offer several budget-friendly options. While Hartford offers a cost of living 9% lower than the state average, the median home price in Norwich is $260K.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Connecticut has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in Connecticut!
4 Reasons to live in Connecticut ⭐
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Connecticut is ~$467K but you can get houses between $175K and $478K in cities like Hartford, Waterbury, and Milford. This can save you thousands while enjoying better earning opportunities in the Constitution State.
- Tax Benefits: The Connecticut Constitution forbids personal income taxes.
- Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare in cities that are listed below is up to 6% lower than the state average. In some cities, the average healthcare is even cheaper than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average You can save up to $290 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Connecticut in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | $37,477 | $175,247 | 121,562 | 14.0% | 28.4% |
| Waterbury | $48,787 | $260,793 | 113,783 | 13.0% | 21.7% |
| Norwich | $59,791 | $266,392 | 40,020 | 11.8% | 10.6% |
| Torrington | $63,135 | $269,902 | 35,447 | 10.0% | 13.6% |
| New Britain | $50,379 | $275,089 | 74,022 | 4.5% | 20.5% |
| East Hartford | $58,922 | $283,687 | 50,971 | 10.9% | 13.1% |
| New London | $50,819 | 285,948 | 27,585 | 3.3% | 24.3% |
| Bristol | $82,094 | $318,893 | 61,601 | 2.8% | 9.36% |
| Meriden | $63,671 | $298,027 | 60,111 | 3.2% | 15.68% |
| Milford | $104,503 | 478,898 | 52,793 | 3.6% | 11.4% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in CT
The cost of living in Connecticut is 13% higher than the national average. The Constitution State is still the home to some of the nation’s most expensive cities. However, amidst this disparity, the Constitution State has several affordable living options.
1. Hartford
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 6.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $175,247 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,430 |
| 🌅 Known For | Deep-Water Seaport |
Hartford is one of the most affordable places to live in Connecticut. Its median house rent ranges from $675 – $5,000. With an average household income of $34,560, you can comfortably live in this city.
Hartford is home to several reputable educational institutions, including the University of Connecticut School of Law, Trinity College, and the University of Hartford. It is referred to as the “Insurance Capital of the World. Hence, creating several job opportunities in this industry.
» Homes for Sale in Hartford, CT: Find your dream home in best neighborhoods in Connecticut.
2. Waterbury
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 2.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $260,793 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,450 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Museums and Zoo |
Waterbury is one of Connecticut’s most budget-friendly rental destinations with an average home rent of $1,450. A low cost of living and affordable housing has led to a population growth of 0.6% since 2020.
Waterbury is a great place for people looking to buy a home. It has good opportunities for businesses, and living here is not expensive. Moreover, it has major companies like Paradigm Healthcare Development, LLC and Webster Bank.
» Homes for Sale in Waterbury, CT: Browse thousands of property listings in most affordable places to live in CT.
3. Norwich
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $266,392 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Hamilton Building |
With rental costs below the national average, Norwich stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Connecticut. The house rent price ranges between $1,000 – $3,000.
Norwich is a great place for nature lovers. It’s like a peaceful getaway from the busy city life. There are lots of green spaces where people can relax and take in some fresh air. Apart from this, the city is home to major employers such as NLC Insurance and American Ambulance Service Inc.
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4. Torrington
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $269,902 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,400 |
| 🏖️ Known For | National Ranching Heritage Center |
Torrington is one of the best places to live in Connecticut with a median rent of $1,400, which is $650 lower than the national median. With housing costs being 12% lower than the state average, the city stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in Connecticut.
You can discover the displays at the Museum of Connecticut Tech University or check out the Buddy Holly Center. You can also take a walk through the Lubbock downtown historic district to find different types of shops, eateries, and entertainment choices.
Additionally, offers a diverse range of employment opportunities across various industries. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and O&G Industries provides opportunities in healthcare, and engineering fields.
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5. New Britain
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 6.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $275,089 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,500 |
| 🎨 Known For | Visual Arts |
Also known as “The Pearl of West Connecticut,” New Britain’s cost of living is 6.3% lower than the state average. The average food expenses are 59.9% lower than the state average, makes it most cost effective places to live in Connecticut.
New Britain’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in Connecticut. Moreover,Stanley Black & Decker and DATTCO top companies in the city that contributes to city’s economy.
» Homes for Sale in New Britain, CT: Browse through thousands of properties in New Britain.
6. East Hartford
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 6.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $283,687 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,400 |
| 🏫 Known For | Strawberry Festival |
The house rent in East Hartford is between $398–$3,000. With an average household income of $64,244, you can comfortably live in this city.
East Hartford is a compelling real estate choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable living in Connecticut. This city is known for being affordable. Houses don’t cost a lot, and the everyday expenses are low.
Beyond its affordability, East Hartford also boasts a thriving job market. United Steel and Jefferson Radiology are top employers in the city.
» Homes for Sale in East Hartford, CT: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Connecticut.
7. New London
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $285,948 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,625 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Fort Hood |
New London is one of the most affordable cities in Connecticut. The median home price in New London is $285K. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $688, making it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
People in New London can check out the cool stuff at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum. You can also go to Stillhouse Hollow Lake for fun outdoor things like boating, fishing, and hiking. Also, the city also boasts a vibrant job market, especially in the healthcare, education, and tourism sectors. Mystic Seaport and Connecticut College provides employment opportunities for its residents.
» Homes for Sale in New London, CT: Get yourself a home in cheap places in Connecticut to live.
8. Bristol
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 6.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $ 318,893 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,519 |
| 📺 Known For | ESPN Channel |
The average household income of $82,094 allows for comfortable living in Bristol. The city’s rental prices ranges between $800 to $3,800 per month and the cost of living is also 6.3% lower than the state average.
In addition to its affordability, Bristol boasts a strong job market, with major employers like Barnes Group and ESPN. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking to combine affordable housing and employment opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Bristol, CT: Find cheap houses in Connecticut for sale.
9. Meriden
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 2.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $298,027 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,475 |
| 🏭 Known For | Industrial Heritage |
Meriden, Connecticut, stands out as an affordable place to live, offering a cost of living that’s 2.3% lower than the state average. Transportation costs are also 7.7% lower than the national average.
The city also allows you to save on your food expenses that is $671 for one person. This, combined with the city’s employment opportunities, makes Meriden an attractive choice for cost-effective lifestyle. MidState Medical Center is one of the major employers in the area, contributing to a robust job market for residents.
» Homes for Sale in Meriden, CT: Find cheap and affordable housing in Connecticut.
10. Milford
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 2.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $478,898 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,650 |
| 🚢 Known For | Shipbuilding |
Milford, is one of the inexpensive cities to live in CT that offers 2.3% lower cost of living compared to the state average. This is primarily due to its proximity to major cities like New Haven and Bridgeport. However, you can find more affordable options, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the city.
The city offers a diverse range of housing options, with a median home price of 478K. Rental costs also vary, ranging from $1,500 to $9,358 with a median rent of $2,650.
Additionally, the city offers ample of employment opportunities, with major employers located within the city or its surrounding areas. Some notable employers include NeoPost USA and SilverSky.
» Homes for Sale in Milford, CT:Search homes in cheapest place to live in CT.
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The Bottom Line
The average cost of living in Connecticut is 13% higher than the national average. It is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Connecticut, you can find affordable housing in CT cities like Hartford, Waterbury, and Norwich.
Cities like Bristol and Milford have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Connecticut’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in CT Under Your Specific Budget
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering the cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Connecticut, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
FAQs
Where is the cheapest place to live in Connecticut?
The cheapest place to live in Connecticut is Hartford. It offers one of the most affordable housing in the state, which is 53.7% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Connecticut: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Connecticut!
Is Connecticut the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $411,971. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in 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.
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