Cost of Living in Old Lyme, CT

Population 7,644 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

150
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 Old 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 $449,000.

Old Lyme is about 30 miles east of New Haven, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 80% higher than New Haven's $249,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 147
Rent 153

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

About the Cost of Living in Old Lyme

The median home value in Old Lyme is $449,400 — 47% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,012/month, 53% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $126,904/year is 70% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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, Old Lyme has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$449,400
47% above avg
Median Rent
$2,012/mo
53% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,114
1 BR
$1,326
2 BR
$1,625
3 BR
$2,107
4 BR
$2,723
Owner-occupied 88.7%
Renter-occupied 11.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,012
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,626/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
24.7 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.8%
Carpooled
2.9%
Public transit
1.7%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
22.1%

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
$126,904
70% above avg
Per Capita Income
$77,384
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
17% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Labor Force Participation
53.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.4%
Graduate degree 31.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.9
Male median age 49
Female median age 53.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
43.5°F
Annual Precip
39.3"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384047566574807974635344
Low °F 232531394958656457463729
Precip" 2.682.203.823.583.313.303.243.323.833.663.243.13

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Old Lyme, CT?

Old Lyme has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.

What is average rent in Old Lyme, CT?

The median gross rent in Old Lyme is $2,012 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Old Lyme?

The median home value in Old Lyme is $449,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Old Lyme?

The median household income in Old Lyme is $126,904 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Old Lyme, CT?

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

Is Old Lyme, CT affordable?

Old Lyme is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Old Lyme?

Old 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.

Old Lyme at a Glance

Population
7,644
Median Income
$126,904
Home Value
$449,400
Median Rent
$2,012/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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