Cost of Living in New Fairfield, CT

Population 13,558 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

148
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives New Fairfield a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $456,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

New Fairfield sits roughly 25 miles west of Waterbury — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 146% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 149
Rent 147

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

About the Cost of Living in New Fairfield

The median home value in New Fairfield is $455,900 — 49% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,926/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $143,864/year is 93% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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 59.8°F and lows of 39.5°F. Overall, New Fairfield has a cost of living index of 148 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$455,900
49% above avg
Median Rent
$1,926/mo
47% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,534
1 BR
$1,880
2 BR
$2,237
3 BR
$2,842
4 BR
$3,081
Owner-occupied 90.2%
Renter-occupied 9.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,926
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,540/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
39.2 min
45% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.3%
Carpooled
10.1%
Public transit
2.2%
Walked
1.7%
Work from home
15.2%

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
$143,864
93% above avg
Per Capita Income
$57,398
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
29% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Labor Force Participation
52.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.8%
Graduate degree 20.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.4
Male median age 41
Female median age 41.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.8°F
Avg Low
39.5°F
Annual Precip
48"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 363947596978828074625141
Low °F 182027374656626052413124
Precip" 3.062.693.893.743.784.484.464.624.814.483.784.24

Frequently Asked Questions

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

New Fairfield has a cost index of 148 (100 = national average). It is 48% above the national average.

What is average rent in New Fairfield, CT?

The median gross rent in New Fairfield is $1,926 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in New Fairfield?

The median home value in New Fairfield is $455,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in New Fairfield?

The median household income in New Fairfield is $143,864 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in New Fairfield, CT?

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

Is New Fairfield, CT affordable?

New Fairfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 148 — about 48% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in New Fairfield?

New Fairfield has average high temperatures of 59.8°F and average lows of 39.5°F. Annual precipitation is 48". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

New Fairfield at a Glance

Population
13,558
Median Income
$143,864
Home Value
$455,900
Median Rent
$1,926/mo
Unemployment
6.2%
Avg High Temp
59.8°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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