Cost of Living in Southbury, CT

Population 19,973 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

133
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Southbury is a smaller Connecticut community of around 20000 residents, where median household incomes of $112,434 and housing costs ($382,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Southbury sits roughly 11 miles southwest of Waterbury — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 106% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 125
Rent 145

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

About the Cost of Living in Southbury

The median home value in Southbury is $381,800 — 25% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,906/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,434/year is 51% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 59.8°F and lows of 39.5°F. Overall, Southbury has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$381,800
25% above avg
Median Rent
$1,906/mo
45% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$991
1 BR
$1,191
2 BR
$1,445
3 BR
$1,891
4 BR
$2,291
Owner-occupied 87.3%
Renter-occupied 12.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,906
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,520/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
31.8 min
18% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.4%
Carpooled
7.0%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
0.1%
Work from home
20.1%

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
$112,434
51% above avg
Per Capita Income
$65,768
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
39% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Labor Force Participation
49.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.9%
Graduate degree 24.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 51.7
Male median age 47.2
Female median age 55.3

🌤 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 Southbury, CT?

Southbury has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.

What is average rent in Southbury, CT?

The median gross rent in Southbury is $1,906 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Southbury?

The median home value in Southbury is $381,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Southbury?

The median household income in Southbury is $112,434 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Southbury, CT?

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

Is Southbury, CT affordable?

Southbury is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Southbury?

Southbury 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.

Southbury at a Glance

Population
19,973
Median Income
$112,434
Home Value
$381,800
Median Rent
$1,906/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Avg High Temp
59.8°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Connecticut

Explore county-level cost of living data

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