Cost of Living in New Canaan, CT

Population 20,704 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

408
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in New Canaan cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.5 million, roughly 5 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers.

Located 6 miles northeast of Stamford, New Canaan falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 150% higher than Stamford's $614,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 503
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in New Canaan

The median home value in New Canaan is $1,534,100 — 403% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 60.6°F and lows of 43.4°F. Overall, New Canaan has a cost of living index of 408 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 308% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,534,100
403% above avg
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
36.5x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,790
1 BR
$2,172
2 BR
$2,610
3 BR
$3,176
4 BR
$3,541
Owner-occupied 83.6%
Renter-occupied 16.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/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
39.9 min
48% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
46.3%
Carpooled
2.7%
Public transit
15.7%
Walked
3.4%
Bicycle
0.0%
Work from home
31.1%

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
$250,001
235% above avg
Per Capita Income
$137,460
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
0% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Labor Force Participation
45.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 43.7%
Graduate degree 39.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.5
Male median age 41
Female median age 43.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.6°F
Avg Low
43.4°F
Annual Precip
47.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 374048596978838174635242
Low °F 222431405059656457463628
Precip" 3.202.534.114.203.944.254.074.364.944.333.644.18

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in New Canaan, CT?

New Canaan has a cost index of 408 (100 = national average). It is 308% above the national average.

What is average rent in New Canaan, CT?

The median gross rent in New Canaan is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in New Canaan?

The median home value in New Canaan is $1,534,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in New Canaan?

The median household income in New Canaan is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in New Canaan, CT?

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

Is New Canaan, CT affordable?

New Canaan is above average in cost of living, with an index of 408 — about 308% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in New Canaan?

New Canaan has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 43.4°F. Annual precipitation is 47.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

New Canaan at a Glance

Population
20,704
Median Income
$250,001
Home Value
$1,534,100
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Avg High Temp
60.6°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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