Connecticut's cost of living index is 103.6 — 3.6% above the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
103.6
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
+3.6%
More expensive
Median Income
$96,049
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$92,711
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 103.6 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | +3.6% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $96,049 | Connecticut median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $92,711 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | High | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 3,688,496 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 103.6, Connecticut is roughly on par with the national average. Higher costs in Connecticut mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $96,049 in Connecticut provides the equivalent purchasing power of $92,711 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Connecticut's typical home value of $450,900 is well above the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (6.99% top rate in Connecticut), sales tax (6.35% state rate), and property taxes (1.66% effective rate).
