Cost of Living in Chester, CT

Population 3,786 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

121
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Chester is a smaller Connecticut community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $94,570 and housing costs ($404,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Located 25 miles east of New Haven, Chester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 62% higher than New Haven's $249,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 132
Rent 104

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

About the Cost of Living in Chester

The median home value in Chester is $404,000 — 32% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,367/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,570/year is 27% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above 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 61.0°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Chester has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$404,000
32% above avg
Median Rent
$1,367/mo
4% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.6x
Favors renting
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 72.4%
Renter-occupied 27.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,367
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,981/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
27.7 min
3% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.1%
Carpooled
1.6%
Public transit
2.1%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
15.4%

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
$94,570
27% above avg
Per Capita Income
$54,391
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
5% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
Labor Force Participation
52.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.4%
Graduate degree 21.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 51.7
Male median age 47
Female median age 53.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.0°F
Avg Low
40.4°F
Annual Precip
44.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 373948607079848275645242
Low °F 192028384857636154423225
Precip" 3.052.934.054.133.484.053.383.544.284.493.364.12

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chester, CT?

Chester has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.

What is average rent in Chester, CT?

The median gross rent in Chester is $1,367 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Chester?

The median home value in Chester is $404,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Chester?

The median household income in Chester is $94,570 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Chester, CT?

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

Is Chester, CT affordable?

Chester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Chester?

Chester has average high temperatures of 61.0°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Chester at a Glance

Population
3,786
Median Income
$94,570
Home Value
$404,000
Median Rent
$1,367/mo
Unemployment
5.1%
Avg High Temp
61.0°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Connecticut

Explore county-level cost of living data

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