Cost of Living in Branford, CT
Population 28,090 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Branford's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $97,223 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, Branford sits roughly 8 miles east of New Haven. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than New Haven's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Branford
The median home value in Branford is $388,300 — 27% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,529/month, 16% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,223/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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 has a cost of living index of 123 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% 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 | 38 | 40 | 47 | 58 | 68 | 76 | 82 | 81 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 30 | 39 | 49 | 59 | 66 | 65 | 57 | 46 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 2.72 | 2.84 | 3.66 | 4.19 | 3.54 | 3.47 | 3.36 | 3.55 | 4.03 | 3.78 | 3.12 | 3.53 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Branford, CT?
Branford has a cost index of 123 (100 = national average). It is 23% above the national average.
What is average rent in Branford, CT?
The median gross rent in Branford is $1,529 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Branford?
The median home value in Branford is $388,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Branford?
The median household income in Branford is $97,223 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Branford, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Branford is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Branford, CT affordable?
Branford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 123 — about 23% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Branford?
Branford 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 at a Glance
- Population
- 28,090
- Median Income
- $97,223
- Home Value
- $388,300
- Median Rent
- $1,529/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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