Cost of Living in Bethlehem, CT

Population 3,398 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

112
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Bethlehem 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. An unemployment rate of 1.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 10 miles northwest of Waterbury, Bethlehem falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 112% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 129
Rent 87

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bethlehem

The median home value in Bethlehem is $392,300 — 29% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,149/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,731/year is 43% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 37.8°F. Overall, Bethlehem has a cost of living index of 112 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$392,300
29% above avg
Median Rent
$1,149/mo
13% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.5x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,033
1 BR
$1,219
2 BR
$1,507
3 BR
$1,884
4 BR
$2,152
Owner-occupied 68.1%
Renter-occupied 31.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,149
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,763/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.0 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.6%
Carpooled
7.5%
Walked
5.5%
Work from home
9.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 7.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 2.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$106,731
43% above avg
Per Capita Income
$54,429
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
67% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
52.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.6%
Graduate degree 15.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.4
Male median age 45.8
Female median age 45

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
37.8°F
Annual Precip
45.8"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353847607078838074625040
Low °F 161826354654595850393123
Precip" 3.313.073.683.493.454.063.784.594.614.203.464.05

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bethlehem, CT?

Bethlehem has a cost index of 112 (100 = national average). It is 12% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bethlehem, CT?

The median gross rent in Bethlehem is $1,149 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bethlehem?

The median home value in Bethlehem is $392,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Bethlehem?

The median household income in Bethlehem is $106,731 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bethlehem, CT?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bethlehem is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.

Is Bethlehem, CT affordable?

Bethlehem is above average in cost of living, with an index of 112 — about 12% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 37.8°F. Annual precipitation is 45.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Bethlehem at a Glance

Population
3,398
Median Income
$106,731
Home Value
$392,300
Median Rent
$1,149/mo
Unemployment
1.6%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Connecticut

Explore county-level cost of living data

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