Connecticut Cost of Living Calculator
Connecticut scores 103.6 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 97.0, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $77,700 here; its highest part is utilities at 124.3.
| Index | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 103.6 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 97.0 |
| Groceries | 103.0 |
| Utilities | 124.3 |
| Transportation | 99.3 |
| Health care | 105.3 |
| Other goods and services | 105.4 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
$2,700.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Connecticut's figures fill the destination side: composite 103.6 for the salary, housing 97.0 for the rent, and 6.99% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Connecticut ranks 17th highest of the 50 states on the composite index (103.6). Median household income: $96,049 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $2,039 a month.
What Connecticut's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Connecticut | Rent at the U.S. average → in Connecticut | Connecticut income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,800 | $1,000 → $970 | $1,889 (3.6%) |
| $75,000 | $77,700 | $1,500 → $1,455 | $3,649 (4.7%) |
| $100,000 | $103,600 | $2,000 → $1,940 | $5,216 (5.0%) |
| $150,000 | $155,400 | $2,500 → $2,425 | $8,574 (5.5%) |
Connecticut 2026 single-filer rates, after Connecticut DRS — IP 2026(1), TPG-211 2026 Withholding Calculation Rules, Tables A–E (Code F) (tax year 2026).
Connecticut and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Connecticut | $1,500 rent there = in Connecticut | $75,000 in Connecticut = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 148.1 / 213.2 | $52,465 | $682 | $107,215 | 9% top rate → 6.99% top rate |
| New York | 132.6 / 194.8 | $58,597 | $747 | $95,994 | 10.9% top rate → 6.99% top rate |
| Rhode Island | 110.9 / 117.1 | $70,063 | $1,243 | $80,285 | 5.99% top rate → 6.99% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Connecticut?
Connecticut's composite index is 103.6 for Q2 2026, the 17th highest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $77,700 buys in Connecticut.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Connecticut?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Connecticut's highest part is utilities (124.3) and its lowest is housing (97.0); groceries, utilities, health care and other goods and services are above the national average, the other two at or below it (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Connecticut at 30% of income?
About $81,560 a year: Connecticut's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $2,039 a month, and $24,468 a year is 30% of that salary.