Cost of Living in Branford Center, CT

Population 6,130 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

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

Branford Center is a smaller Connecticut community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $70,391 and housing costs ($292,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Branford Center sits roughly 6 miles east of New Haven — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than New Haven's $249,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 96
Rent 108

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

About the Cost of Living in Branford Center

The median home value in Branford Center is $291,500 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,414/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,391/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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 60.5°F and lows of 43.6°F. Overall, Branford Center has a cost of living index of 100 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is on par with the national average.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$291,500
4% below avg
Median Rent
$1,414/mo
8% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,133
1 BR
$1,306
2 BR
$1,653
3 BR
$1,992
4 BR
$2,363
Owner-occupied 42.0%
Renter-occupied 58.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,414
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,028/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
27.0 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.3%
Carpooled
10.6%
Public transit
3.6%
Walked
1.3%
Bicycle
1.8%
Work from home
13.5%

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
$70,391
6% below avg
Per Capita Income
$50,046
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.7%
Labor Force Participation
65.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.9%
Graduate degree 14.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 52.9
Male median age 52.1
Female median age 55.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.5°F
Avg Low
43.6°F
Annual Precip
41.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384047586876828175645344
Low °F 232430394959666557463629
Precip" 2.722.843.664.193.543.473.363.554.033.783.123.53

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Branford Center, CT?

Branford Center has a cost index of 100 (100 = national average). It is near the national average.

What is average rent in Branford Center, CT?

The median gross rent in Branford Center is $1,414 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Branford Center?

The median home value in Branford Center is $291,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Branford Center?

The median household income in Branford Center is $70,391 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Branford Center, CT?

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

Is Branford Center, CT affordable?

Branford Center is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 100 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Branford Center?

Branford Center has average high temperatures of 60.5°F and average lows of 43.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Branford Center at a Glance

Population
6,130
Median Income
$70,391
Home Value
$291,500
Median Rent
$1,414/mo
Unemployment
4.6%
Avg High Temp
60.5°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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