Cost of Living in Colchester, CT

Population 15,505 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

110
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Colchester 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 25 miles southeast of Hartford, Colchester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 57% higher than Hartford's $217,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 112
Rent 106

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

About the Cost of Living in Colchester

The median home value in Colchester is $340,300 — 12% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,398/month, 6% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,839/year is 59% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 60.2°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, Colchester has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$340,300
12% above avg
Median Rent
$1,398/mo
6% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,232
1 BR
$1,370
2 BR
$1,797
3 BR
$2,373
4 BR
$2,976
Owner-occupied 78.0%
Renter-occupied 22.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,398
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,012/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
30.9 min
14% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.5%
Carpooled
9.3%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
0.9%
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
$118,839
59% above avg
Per Capita Income
$55,820
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
58% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
54.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.0%
Graduate degree 22.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.3
Male median age 41.1
Female median age 46.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.2°F
Avg Low
39.6°F
Annual Precip
43.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 363947597078838174635241
Low °F 181927374756626052413124
Precip" 3.202.663.953.973.403.872.664.374.113.833.553.68

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Colchester, CT?

Colchester has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.

What is average rent in Colchester, CT?

The median gross rent in Colchester is $1,398 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Colchester?

The median home value in Colchester is $340,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Colchester?

The median household income in Colchester is $118,839 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Colchester, CT?

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

Is Colchester, CT affordable?

Colchester is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Colchester?

Colchester has average high temperatures of 60.2°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Colchester at a Glance

Population
15,505
Median Income
$118,839
Home Value
$340,300
Median Rent
$1,398/mo
Unemployment
2.0%
Avg High Temp
60.2°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
View all cities in Connecticut →
🗺️ County data for Connecticut

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs