Cost of Living in Stratford, CT
Population 52,403 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Stratford lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $344,000 — 13% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Connecticut. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Stratford is part of the immediate Bridgeport metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 36% higher than Bridgeport's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Stratford
The median home value in Stratford is $344,200 — 13% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,610/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,820/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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 45.7°F, with about 33.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Stratford has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 41 | 47 | 58 | 68 | 78 | 83 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 32 | 42 | 52 | 62 | 68 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.18 | 3.12 | 4.09 | 4.16 | 3.58 | 3.77 | 3.32 | 3.98 | 3.96 | 3.84 | 3.11 | 3.98 |
| Snow" | 8.5 | 10.7 | 7.0 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Stratford, CT?
Stratford has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.
What is average rent in Stratford, CT?
The median gross rent in Stratford is $1,610 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Stratford?
The median home value in Stratford is $344,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Stratford?
The median household income in Stratford is $93,820 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Stratford, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stratford is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Stratford, CT affordable?
Stratford 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 Stratford?
Stratford has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 45.7°F. Annual precipitation is 44.1". Average annual snowfall is 33.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Stratford at a Glance
- Population
- 52,403
- Median Income
- $93,820
- Home Value
- $344,200
- Median Rent
- $1,610/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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