Cost of Living in Essex, CT
Population 6,766 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Essex 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 1.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Essex is about 25 miles east of New Haven, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 117% higher than New Haven's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Essex
The median home value in Essex is $539,300 — 77% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,637/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,767/year is 35% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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, Essex has a cost of living index of 156 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% more expensive.
Essex 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 | 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 Essex, CT?
Essex has a cost index of 156 (100 = national average). It is 56% above the national average.
What is average rent in Essex, CT?
The median gross rent in Essex is $1,637 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Essex?
The median home value in Essex is $539,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Essex?
The median household income in Essex is $100,767 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Essex, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Essex is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Essex, CT affordable?
Essex is above average in cost of living, with an index of 156 — about 56% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Essex?
Essex 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.
Essex at a Glance
- Population
- 6,766
- Median Income
- $100,767
- Home Value
- $539,300
- Median Rent
- $1,637/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°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