Cost of living in Connecticut
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Connecticut are 3.6% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 103.6 (U.S. = 100), making it the #10 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Connecticut with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Connecticut prices
- 6.3% cheaper
- Take-home in Connecticut at $75,000
- $57,658$4,805 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $54,011$4,501 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +14.0%+$7,582 a year in Connecticut buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Connecticut take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Connecticut with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Connecticut as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Connecticut? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Connecticut prices by category
| Category | Connecticut | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | +3.6% |
| Goods | 97.3 | −2.7% |
| Housing (rent) | 117.0 | +17.0% |
| Utilities | 146.5 | +46.5% |
| Other services | 102.7 | +2.7% |
Housing is the main reason Connecticut costs more: rents run 17% above average. The overall price level fell 0.6% relative to the nation versus 2023 (104.2). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Connecticut, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,419 | $40,581 | $39,167 | $48,258 |
| $75,000 | $17,343 | $57,658 | $55,649 | $72,387 |
| $100,000 | $26,320 | $73,680 | $71,113 | $96,516 |
At $75,000, Connecticut ranks #43 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Connecticut paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Connecticut equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Connecticut. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Connecticut once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | +4.2% | $78,121 | $78,522 |
| Massachusetts | +2.1% | $76,554 | $76,749 |
| Rhode Island | −1.3% | $74,037 | $72,474 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −16.1% | $62,931 | $59,637 |
| Mississippi | −16.1% | $62,943 | $59,563 |
| Iowa | −15.3% | $63,528 | $60,100 |
| Oklahoma | −15.2% | $63,587 | $60,854 |
| California | +6.9% | $80,147 | $81,237 |
| Hawaii | +6.1% | $79,590 | $81,183 |
| Washington, DC | +6.1% | $79,554 | $79,957 |
| New Jersey | +5.0% | $78,760 | $78,224 |
| Texas | −6.3% | $70,256 | $64,506 |
| Florida | −0.2% | $74,858 | $69,251 |
Moving from Connecticut to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Connecticut expensive to live in?
Connecticut has a price level of 103.6 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 3.6% above the national average. It ranks #42 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Connecticut?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $77,708 in Connecticut before taxes. After Connecticut taxes, $75,000 takes home $57,658 — worth $55,649 at U.S.-average prices, #43 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Connecticut?
Connecticut's housing price level is 117.0, meaning rents are 17.0% above the national average. Goods are 97.3 and utilities 146.5.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Rhode Island (price level 102.3, −1.3% vs Connecticut). A $75,000 Connecticut salary is equivalent to $72,474 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.