Cost of Living in Stafford, CT

Population 11,462 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

82
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Stafford is a smaller Connecticut community of around 11000 residents, where median household incomes of $97,509 and housing costs ($244,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Stafford sits roughly 15 miles southeast of Springfield. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Springfield's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 80
Rent 84

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

About the Cost of Living in Stafford

The median home value in Stafford is $243,900 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,106/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,509/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 51.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Stafford has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$243,900
20% below avg
Median Rent
$1,106/mo
16% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.4x
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 78.2%
Renter-occupied 21.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,106
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,720/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
26.2 min
3% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
86.4%
Carpooled
4.0%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
8.6%

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
$97,509
31% above avg
Per Capita Income
$43,831
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
42% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Labor Force Participation
55.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.2%
Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.7
Male median age 44.2
Female median age 48.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
40.9°F
Annual Precip
47"
Annual Snowfall
51.7"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353947617280858376645241
Low °F 192128384858636254423325
Precip" 3.283.133.813.883.794.284.174.214.394.523.514.08
Snow" 14.214.89.41.10.00.00.00.00.00.71.410.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Stafford, CT?

Stafford has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.

What is average rent in Stafford, CT?

The median gross rent in Stafford is $1,106 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Stafford?

The median home value in Stafford is $243,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Stafford?

The median household income in Stafford is $97,509 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Stafford, CT?

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

Is Stafford, CT affordable?

Yes, Stafford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Stafford?

Stafford has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 47". Average annual snowfall is 51.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Stafford at a Glance

Population
11,462
Median Income
$97,509
Home Value
$243,900
Median Rent
$1,106/mo
Unemployment
6.8%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Connecticut

Explore county-level cost of living data

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