Moving to Connecticut: What You Need to Know
Connecticut offers some of the highest household incomes in the nation, with a median above $83,000, and is home to a strong financial services and insurance industry centered in Hartford and Stamford. The state's proximity to New York City makes Fairfield County a popular choice for NYC commuters seeking more space and top-rated schools. While property taxes are among the highest in the country, housing remains more affordable than NYC or Boston, with a statewide median around $380,000.
Estimate Your Moving Cost →
Cost of Living in Connecticut
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500/mo
Avg Local Move
$1,250
Avg Long-Distance Move
$4,600
Taxes in Connecticut
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 3%–6.99% (progressive) |
| Effective Property Tax | 1.96% |
| State Sales Tax | 6.35% |
Job Market & Economy
Connecticut Climate & Weather
Four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Coastal areas are slightly milder than inland. Average 40–60 inches of snow per year inland.
Best Cities to Move to in Connecticut
Pros and Cons of Living in Connecticut
Pros
- +High median household income among the top in the nation
- +Proximity to New York City (Stamford is under 1 hour)
- +Excellent public schools and universities (Yale, UConn)
- +Charming New England towns and coastal scenery
Cons
- -Very high property taxes averaging nearly 2%
- -High overall cost of living
- -Aging infrastructure and limited public transit outside Metro-North
- -Population has been declining slowly
Calculate Your Connecticut Moving Cost
Get an itemized estimate for your move to Connecticut -- truck or movers, flights, housing deposits, storage, and contingency. Free, no account required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to Connecticut?
A local move within Connecticut averages $900–$1,500. Moving from the NYC area costs $1,000–$2,500. Long-distance moves from the South or Midwest typically run $3,000–$6,000 depending on home size.
Is Connecticut a good state for commuting to NYC?
Yes, Fairfield County towns like Stamford, Norwalk, and Greenwich offer Metro-North express trains to Grand Central in 45–75 minutes. Stamford has become a corporate hub in its own right with many financial firms. Housing is still expensive in these towns but significantly cheaper than Manhattan.
What are property taxes like in Connecticut?
Connecticut has some of the highest property taxes in the nation, averaging 1.96%. On a $380,000 home, that's roughly $7,450 per year. Rates vary significantly by town -- Fairfield County towns can exceed 2.5%, while some eastern towns are lower. There is no cap on property tax rates.
What are the best towns to live in Connecticut?
West Hartford is consistently rated the best overall for families with excellent schools and a vibrant center. Stamford and Norwalk are best for NYC commuters and young professionals. New Haven offers culture and dining anchored by Yale University. Glastonbury and Simsbury are top suburban picks for families.
Is Connecticut expensive to live in?
Connecticut's cost of living is about 10–15% above the national average overall, but Fairfield County (near NYC) is 30–50% higher. Eastern Connecticut and Hartford suburbs are much more affordable. High property taxes are the biggest expense -- plan for $5,000–$15,000+ per year depending on location.