Cost of Living in Putnam, CT

Population 7,120 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

81
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Putnam 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.

Geographically, Putnam is about 25 miles south of Worcester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Worcester's $340,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 77
Rent 86

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

About the Cost of Living in Putnam

The median home value in Putnam is $236,000 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,124/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,209/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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%. Overall, Putnam has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$236,000
23% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$336,875
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,124/mo
14% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,133
1 BR
$1,306
2 BR
$1,653
3 BR
$1,992
4 BR
$2,363
Owner-occupied 50.0%
Renter-occupied 50.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,124
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,738/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
27.7 min
3% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.0%
Carpooled
9.2%
Public transit
0.3%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
6.3%

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
$63,209
15% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,304
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
13% above avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
Labor Force Participation
63.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.6%
Graduate degree 7.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.9
Male median age 42.2
Female median age 43.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Putnam, CT?

Putnam has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.

What is average rent in Putnam, CT?

The median gross rent in Putnam is $1,124 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Putnam?

The median home value in Putnam is $236,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Putnam?

The median household income in Putnam is $63,209 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Putnam, CT?

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

Is Putnam, CT affordable?

Yes, Putnam is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.

Putnam at a Glance

Population
7,120
Median Income
$63,209
Home Value
$236,000
Median Rent
$1,124/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Connecticut

Explore county-level cost of living data

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