Cost of Living in Derby, CT

Population 12,359 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Derby a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $242,000. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Derby sits roughly 8 miles west of New Haven. Housing prices track closely with New Haven's $249,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 79

Rent 111

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

About the Cost of Living in Derby

The median home value in Derby is $242,300 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,453/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,263/year is 2% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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%. Overall, Derby has a cost of living index of 92 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$242,300

21% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$332,106

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,453/mo

11% above avg

Zillow Rent

$1,875/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

13.9x

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 62.2%

Renter-occupied 37.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,453

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $2,067/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

29.2 min

8% above avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

15.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

70.1%

Carpooled

12.2%

Public transit

0.3%

Walked

1.7%

Work from home

15.3%

⚡ 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

$76,263

2% above avg

Per Capita Income

$45,781

Unemployment Rate

7.0%

46% above avg

Poverty Rate

9.3%

Labor Force Participation

63.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.4%

Graduate degree 14.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.3

Male median age 46.5

Female median age 46.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Derby, CT?

Derby has a cost index of 92 (100 = national average). It is 8% below the national average.

What is average rent in Derby, CT?

The median gross rent in Derby is $1,453 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Derby?

The median home value in Derby is $242,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Derby?

The median household income in Derby is $76,263 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Derby, CT?

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

Is Derby, CT affordable?

Derby is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 92 (100 = US average).

Derby at a Glance

Population: 12,359
Median Income: $76,263
Home Value: $242,300
Median Rent: $1,453/mo
Unemployment: 7.0%
Sales Tax: 6.3%

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