Cost of Living in Bethel, CT
Population 20,498 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bethel sits on the smaller end of the Connecticut city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Bethel sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Bridgeport — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 69% higher than Bridgeport's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bethel
The median home value in Bethel is $426,500 — 40% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,458/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $115,135/year is 54% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Connecticut's top state income tax rate is 7.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 59.8°F and lows of 39.5°F. Overall, Bethel has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 39 | 47 | 59 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 74 | 62 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 27 | 37 | 46 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 31 | 24 |
| Precip" | 3.06 | 2.69 | 3.89 | 3.74 | 3.78 | 4.48 | 4.46 | 4.62 | 4.81 | 4.48 | 3.78 | 4.24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bethel, CT?
Bethel has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bethel, CT?
The median gross rent in Bethel is $1,458 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel is $426,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Bethel?
The median household income in Bethel is $115,135 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bethel, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bethel is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Bethel, CT affordable?
Bethel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Bethel?
Bethel has average high temperatures of 59.8°F and average lows of 39.5°F. Annual precipitation is 48". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bethel at a Glance
- Population
- 20,498
- Median Income
- $115,135
- Home Value
- $426,500
- Median Rent
- $1,458/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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