Cost of Living in Meriden, CT
Population 60,418 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Meriden can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $222,000 against $68,617 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 13 miles east of Waterbury, Meriden falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 20% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Meriden
The median home value in Meriden is $221,600 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,243/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,617/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, 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 61.0°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Meriden has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less 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 | 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 Meriden, CT?
Meriden has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Meriden, CT?
The median gross rent in Meriden is $1,243 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Meriden?
The median home value in Meriden is $221,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Meriden?
The median household income in Meriden is $68,617 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Meriden, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Meriden is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Meriden, CT affordable?
Yes, Meriden is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Meriden?
Meriden 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.
Meriden at a Glance
- Population
- 60,418
- Median Income
- $68,617
- Home Value
- $221,600
- Median Rent
- $1,243/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Connecticut Rankings
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