Cost of Living in Preston, CT
Population 4,812 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Preston 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. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Preston is about 35 miles southwest of Providence, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Providence's $323,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Preston
The median home value in Preston is $343,700 — 13% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,628/month, 24% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,375/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Preston has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.
Preston 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 Preston, CT?
Preston has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.
What is average rent in Preston, CT?
The median gross rent in Preston is $1,628 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Preston?
The median home value in Preston is $343,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Preston?
The median household income in Preston is $109,375 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Preston, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Preston is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Preston, CT affordable?
Preston is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Preston?
Preston 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.
Preston at a Glance
- Population
- 4,812
- Median Income
- $109,375
- Home Value
- $343,700
- Median Rent
- $1,628/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Connecticut Rankings
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