Cost of Living in Sterling, CT
Population 3,601 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Sterling a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $268,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Sterling sits roughly 20 miles west of Providence. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Providence's $323,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sterling
The median home value in Sterling is $268,200 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,606/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,167/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, 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 58.9°F and lows of 40.1°F. Overall, Sterling has a cost of living index of 102 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% more expensive.
Sterling 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 | 39 | 46 | 56 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 62 | 52 | 43 |
| Low °F | 20 | 21 | 28 | 36 | 46 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 26 |
| Precip" | 4.15 | 3.87 | 5.73 | 4.51 | 3.50 | 3.90 | 3.09 | 4.10 | 4.30 | 4.59 | 4.39 | 5.14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sterling, CT?
Sterling has a cost index of 102 (100 = national average). It is 2% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sterling, CT?
The median gross rent in Sterling is $1,606 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling is $268,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling is $89,167 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sterling, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sterling is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Sterling, CT affordable?
Sterling is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 102 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Sterling?
Sterling has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 40.1°F. Annual precipitation is 51.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sterling at a Glance
- Population
- 3,601
- Median Income
- $89,167
- Home Value
- $268,200
- Median Rent
- $1,606/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Connecticut Rankings
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