Cost of Living in Columbia, CT
Population 5,268 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Columbia is a smaller Connecticut community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $122,500 and housing costs ($322,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Columbia sits roughly 20 miles east of Hartford. Median home values run roughly 48% higher than Hartford's $217,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Columbia
The median home value in Columbia is $321,500 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $869/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $122,500/year is 64% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 60.2°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, Columbia has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% less expensive.
Columbia has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 36 | 39 | 47 | 59 | 70 | 78 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 63 | 52 | 41 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 31 | 24 |
| Precip" | 3.20 | 2.66 | 3.95 | 3.97 | 3.40 | 3.87 | 2.66 | 4.37 | 4.11 | 3.83 | 3.55 | 3.68 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbia, CT?
Columbia has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbia, CT?
The median gross rent in Columbia is $869 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $321,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia is $122,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbia, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbia is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Columbia, CT affordable?
Columbia is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Columbia?
Columbia 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.
Columbia at a Glance
- Population
- 5,268
- Median Income
- $122,500
- Home Value
- $321,500
- Median Rent
- $869/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Connecticut Rankings
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