If you’re researching the cost of living in Connecticut, you’ve likely already heard it isn’t cheap. Taxes run higher than average, utilities lean expensive, and home prices sit above national levels.

But here’s what many overlook: Connecticut continues to grow because the lifestyle, location, and long-term benefits outweigh the upfront costs. Every year, buyers from New York, New Jersey, and other crowded markets relocate here—and most stay for good.

Below is a straightforward, realistic breakdown of what it actually costs to live in Connecticut and why so many people decide it’s worth it.

Is Connecticut an Expensive State to Live In?

Short answer: yes.
Long answer: it depends on where you’re coming from.

Moving from NYC, Westchester, or Long Island?
CT will feel like you just got a financial upgrade—more space, lower home prices, and a calmer lifestyle.
Coming from the Midwest, South, or rural areas?
You’ll notice the higher taxes and utilities right away.

Connecticut Cost of Living Breakdown

1. Taxes in Connecticut

Let’s start with the uncomfortable part.

Connecticut has higher-than-average property taxes, and they vary dramatically from town to town. To compare specific areas, use the state’s official resource:
CT Property Tax Statistics

What to expect:

Fairfield County: ranges from reasonable to “wow… okay.”
New Haven County: an even mix
Smaller inland towns: often have the lowest rates

CT also has a state income tax, though the top brackets remain far below New York’s.

Most families eventually decide the quality of schools, safety, and lifestyle are worth the trade-off.

For town-by-town comparison, here’s a complete directory:
🔗 https://www.connecticutvisitorguide.com/cities-towns/

2. Home Prices in Connecticut

Connecticut’s home values sit above the national average, but compared to the New York metro area, they’re still a bargain.

Example:

$700k in many NY suburbs = cramped starter home
$700k in CT = space, yard, driveway, and overall lifestyle upgrade

Browse active listings here:
🔗 JFulchino.com

3. Utilities in Connecticut

Utilities can be one of the more surprising expenses in CT.

Eversource and UI have some of the highest delivery fees in the country.

Average utility data:
🔗 BLS CT Energy Data

Why utilities run high:

Older housing stock
Long winters
Elevated distribution fees

Solar adoption is growing quickly in Fairfield and New Haven Counties because it cuts monthly costs significantly.

4. Home Insurance Costs

Home insurance sits above national averages but nowhere near coastal NJ or Florida levels.

Compare CT averages here:
🔗 NAIC Homeowners Insurance Report

Factors affecting premiums:

Age of homes
Weather
Rising construction costs

Still, CT remains relatively mild compared to storm-heavy coastal states.

5. Gas, Groceries & Daily Living Costs

Gas: Cheaper than NY/MA, but more expensive than NJ
Groceries: Standard New England pricing

For a baseline, use the:
🔗 MIT Living Wage Calculator – Connecticut

Shopping smart—Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe’s—keeps costs manageable.

Why People Still Move to Connecticut

Despite the costs, Connecticut offers advantages many states simply can’t match.

1. Real Space

Most towns provide yard space, quieter streets, and room to breathe—something rare in NYC-area housing.

2. Location

Perfectly placed between two major metros:

60–90 minutes to NYC
2 hours to Boston

You can enjoy both without paying their prices.

3. Top-Ranked Schools

Connecticut consistently ranks as one of the top states for public education.
Reliable source:
🔗 US News Education Rankings

4. Things To Do

Connecticut is packed with recreation and culture:

Beaches
Lakes and rivers
Real hiking (Appalachian Trail included)
Ski areas
Breweries, wineries, and great restaurants
Concerts, fairs, and festivals
Easy weekend getaways to NYC, Boston, Rhode Island, Vermont

Lifestyle highlights here:
🔗 Connecticut Living

Connecticut vs. New York: Cost of Living Comparison

For many New Yorkers, this is the deciding factor.

What’s Cheaper in CT:

Home prices
Car insurance
Metro-North commuting
Rentals
Everyday expenses
Space per dollar

What’s More Expensive in CT:

Property taxes (varies widely)
Utilities
Certain grocery categories

Bottom line:
NY transplants almost always feel life becomes more manageable here.

Is Connecticut Worth the Cost?

If you’re hunting for the absolute lowest cost of living, CT isn’t the place.

But if you want:

More space
Safety
Top-tier schools
A quieter pace
Access to major cities
Great communities
Nature + amenities balance

…then yes—Connecticut is worth every penny to most who move here. And the majority never go back.

Thinking About Moving to Connecticut?

If you’re comparing towns, taxes, neighborhoods, or budgets, I can help you break everything down with actual numbers, not guesswork.

Reach me directly here:
🔗 Your CT Real Estate Expert

Or browse active listings:
🔗 Your CT Home Search

Is It Expensive Living in Connecticut? An Honest Review Before You Move Here