Connecticut attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Cheaper houses, top education and affordable living. You can’t go wrong with the Constitution State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $300,000. Hartford’s cost of living is 6.3% lower than the national average, and New Britain is 6.3% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy East Hartford’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $278K. Meanwhile, New London offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $285,337.
Cheapest Places to Live in Connecticut in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Connecticut. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hartford | $176,309 | $1,480 | 6.3% | $41,841 | 119,669 |
| 2. Waterbury | $256,081 | $1,500 | 2.3% | $51,451 | 114,990 |
| 3. Norwich | $266,236 | $1,650 | 4.5% | $62,713 | 39,881 |
| 4. Torrington | $270,961 | $1,500 | 5.3% | $66,616 | 35,550 |
| 5. New Britain | $270,454 | $1,650 | 6.3% | $53,766 | 74,080 |
| 6. East Hartford | $278,968 | $1,400 | 6.3% | $64,244 | 50,654 |
| 7. New London | $285,337 | $1,696 | 4.5% | $56,237 | 27,560 |
| 8. Bristol | $312,477 | $1,600 | 6.3% | $82,094 | 61,601 |
| 9. Meriden | $294,867 | $1,550 | 2.3% | $63,671 | 60,111 |
| 10. Milford | $468,323 | $2,428 | 2.3% | $104,503 | 52,793 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Connecticut
Here’s our list of the 10 best affordable places to live in Connecticut that offer affordable living options:
#1 Hartford
- Median house rent is $1,480 | Rental prices range between $600 and $5,500.
- Median home value of Hartford is $176,309.
- Cost of living in Hartford is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Hartford, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Hartford is one of the most affordable place to live in Connecticut. You can comfortably live in this city, with an average household income of $34,560. Hartford is home to colleges such as the University of Connecticut School of Law and the University of Hartford. Also, the city is known as the “Insurance Capital of the World”, has major insurance companies and jobs.
» Hartford Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best neighborhoods in Connecticut.
#2 Waterbury
- Median house rent is $1,500 | Rental prices range between $500 and $3,300.
- Median home value of Waterbury is $256,081.
- Cost of living in Waterbury is 2.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Waterbury, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Waterbury is one of the most affordable and safe places to live in Connecticut with an average home rent of $1,500. A low cost of living and affordable housing has led to a population growth of 0.6% since 2020. The city has major companies like Paradigm Healthcare Development, LLC, and Webster Bank which is ideal for young adults.
» Waterbury Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in most affordable places to live in CT.
#3 Norwich
- Median house rent is $1,650 | Rental prices range between $850 and $8,250.
- Median home value of Norwich is $266,236.
- Cost of living in Norwich is 4.5% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Norwich, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Norwich stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Connecticut. Mohegan Park is one of this area’s beautiful landmarks for nature lovers. Backus Hospital and Norwich Public Utilities are the top employers in the city. For dining purposes, restaurants like Bella Fiore and Lazizah Bakery for diverse cuisine.
» Norwich Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the cheapest city to live in Connecticut.
Get a Home Loan in Connecticut🏡
Select Your Loan Type
-
New Home Purchase
-
Mortgage Refinance
-
Cash-out Refinance
#4 Torrington
- Median house rent is $1,500 | Rental prices range between $800 and $2,700.
- Median home value of Torrington is $270,961.
- Cost of living in Torrington is 5.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Torrington, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Known for its performing arts scene, the Warner Theatre is a cultural gem in Torrington. The presence of Torrington High School adds to its appeal for families seeking a community-oriented lifestyle. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and O&G Industries are major employers. Its affordability and charm make it appealing to families and young professionals alike.
» Torrington Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the cheapest and safe places to live in CT.
Try Connecticut’s #1 Mortgage Calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
#5 New Britain
- Median house rent is $1,650 | Rental prices range between $750 and $9,500.
- Median home value of New Britain is $270,454.
- Cost of living in New Britain is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in New Britain, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
New Britain, known as the “Hardware City,” boasts a rich industrial heritage and a thriving arts community. The New Britain Museum of American Art highlights the city’s cultural vibrancy. The average food expenses are 59.9% lower than the state average, making it the most cost-effective place to live in Connecticut.
» New Britain Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in New Britain.
#6 East Hartford
- Median house rent is $1,400 | Rental prices range between $795 and $3,500.
- Median home value of East Hartford is $278,968.
- Cost of living in East Hartford is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in East Hartford, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
With an average household income of $64,244, East Hartford offers a comfortable standard of living. The city is home to Goodwin University. It is also a hub for aerospace innovation, with Pratt & Whitney being a major employer, making it an ideal location for young professionals. Additionally, East Hartford fosters a strong sense of community by hosting annual events like the Strawberry Festival.
» East Hartford Homes for sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Connecticut.
#7 New London
- Median house rent is $1,696 | Rental prices range between $900 and $6,000.
- Median home value of New London is $285,337.
- Cost of living in New London is 4.5% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in New London, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
New London is one of the most affordable cities in Connecticut. Employers like Connecticut College and Mystic Seaport drive its economy. You can also enjoy coastal attractions, including Ocean Beach Park, and cultural venues like the Garde Arts Center.
» Homes for Sale in New London, CT: Get yourself a home in cheap places in Connecticut to live.
#8 Bristol
- Median house rent is $1,600 | Rental prices range between $850 and $3,750.
- Median home value of Bristol is $312,477.
- Cost of living in Bristol is 6.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Bristol, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Bristol is known for its vibrant community, historical significance, and attractions like the American Clock & Watch Museum. It is home to Lake Compounce, the oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. Apart from this, Parkside Cafe, Bristol Pizza Restaurant, and Main Street Pint and Plate are popular dining spots for food lovers.
» Bristol Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses in Connecticut for sale.
#9 Meriden
- Median house rent is $1,550 | Rental prices range between $710 and $4,000.
- Median home value of Meriden is $294,867.
- Cost of living in Meriden is 2.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Meriden, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Meriden offers transportation costs that are 7.7% lower than the national average. The city also allows you to save on your food expenses which is $659 for one person. Moreover, Meriden is surrounded by parks and trails, including Hubbard Park and the Hanging Hills. MidState Medical Center is one of the major employers in the area.
» Meriden Homes for Sale: Explore cheap and affordable housing in Connecticut.
#10 Milford
- Median house rent is $2,428 | Rental prices range between $850 and $7,998.
- Median home value of Milford is $468,323.
- Cost of living in Milford is 2.3% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Milford, CT: 06082 | 06071 | 06078
Milford is a coastal city featuring beautiful beaches and a charming downtown area. The city thrives on industries like shipbuilding and technology, with employers like SilverSky. Residents enjoy Walnut Beach, Milford Harbor, and a vibrant downtown with restaurants and boutiques, making it ideal for both families and professionals.
» Milford Homes for Sale: Search homes in cheapest place to live in CT.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Connecticut?
If you want to move to Connecticut, you will find cheap houses for sale in Connecticut under 200K in cities like Hartford, Waterbury, and Norwich. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Connecticut cities.
Cities like Bristol and Milford are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Connecticut.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Connecticut’s most accurate home value estimator.
📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in Connecticut
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in CT.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
Find An Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of tiny homes for sale in Connecticut on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in Connecticut, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
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 CT: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Connecticut.
Is it expensive to live in Connecticut?
No, it is not. The median home value is $405,595. 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.
Which Connecticut city has the lowest cost of living?
Hartford has the lowest cost of living, which is 6.3% lower than the state average.
