Cost of Living in East Lyme, CT
Population 18,638 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives East Lyme a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $388,000.
Geographically, East Lyme is about 35 miles east of New Haven, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than New Haven's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in East Lyme
The median home value in East Lyme is $387,500 — 27% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,568/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,667/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, East Lyme has a cost of living index of 124 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 38 | 40 | 47 | 56 | 65 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 74 | 63 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 23 | 25 | 31 | 39 | 49 | 58 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 46 | 37 | 29 |
| Precip" | 2.68 | 2.20 | 3.82 | 3.58 | 3.31 | 3.30 | 3.24 | 3.32 | 3.83 | 3.66 | 3.24 | 3.13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in East Lyme, CT?
East Lyme has a cost index of 124 (100 = national average). It is 24% above the national average.
What is average rent in East Lyme, CT?
The median gross rent in East Lyme is $1,568 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in East Lyme?
The median home value in East Lyme is $387,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in East Lyme?
The median household income in East Lyme is $107,667 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in East Lyme, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in East Lyme is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is East Lyme, CT affordable?
East Lyme is above average in cost of living, with an index of 124 — about 24% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in East Lyme?
East Lyme has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 39.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
East Lyme at a Glance
- Population
- 18,638
- Median Income
- $107,667
- Home Value
- $387,500
- Median Rent
- $1,568/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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