Cost of Living in Durham, CT
Population 7,182 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Durham 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 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Durham sits roughly 15 miles northeast of New Haven — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 63% higher than New Haven's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Durham
The median home value in Durham is $405,100 — 33% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,520/month, 16% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $151,875/year is 104% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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 61.0°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Durham has a cost of living index of 126 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% more expensive.
Durham 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 | 37 | 39 | 48 | 60 | 70 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 19 | 20 | 28 | 38 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 61 | 54 | 42 | 32 | 25 |
| Precip" | 3.05 | 2.93 | 4.05 | 4.13 | 3.48 | 4.05 | 3.38 | 3.54 | 4.28 | 4.49 | 3.36 | 4.12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Durham, CT?
Durham has a cost index of 126 (100 = national average). It is 26% above the national average.
What is average rent in Durham, CT?
The median gross rent in Durham is $1,520 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Durham?
The median home value in Durham is $405,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Durham?
The median household income in Durham is $151,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Durham, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Durham is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Durham, CT affordable?
Durham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 126 — about 26% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Durham?
Durham 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.
Durham at a Glance
- Population
- 7,182
- Median Income
- $151,875
- Home Value
- $405,100
- Median Rent
- $1,520/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Connecticut Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs