Cost of Living in Washington, CT

Population 3,648 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

165
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Washington run well above the national baseline, with a median of $607,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $89,135 place the city among the better-paid Connecticut metros.

Located 15 miles west of Waterbury, Washington falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 227% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 199
Rent 113

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

About the Cost of Living in Washington

The median home value in Washington is $606,900 — 99% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,484/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $89,135/year is 20% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 37.8°F. Overall, Washington has a cost of living index of 165 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$606,900
99% above avg
Median Rent
$1,484/mo
13% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
34.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,033
1 BR
$1,219
2 BR
$1,507
3 BR
$1,884
4 BR
$2,152
Owner-occupied 75.3%
Renter-occupied 24.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,484
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,098/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
33.8 min
25% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
50.5%
Carpooled
6.6%
Public transit
10.0%
Walked
11.1%
Work from home
19.6%

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
$89,135
20% above avg
Per Capita Income
$72,851
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
19% below avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Labor Force Participation
53.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.7%
Graduate degree 26.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49
Male median age 48
Female median age 49.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
37.8°F
Annual Precip
45.8"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353847607078838074625040
Low °F 161826354654595850393123
Precip" 3.313.073.683.493.454.063.784.594.614.203.464.05

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Washington, CT?

Washington has a cost index of 165 (100 = national average). It is 65% above the national average.

What is average rent in Washington, CT?

The median gross rent in Washington is $1,484 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Washington?

The median home value in Washington is $606,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Washington?

The median household income in Washington is $89,135 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Washington, CT?

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

Is Washington, CT affordable?

Washington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 165 — about 65% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Washington?

Washington has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 37.8°F. Annual precipitation is 45.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Washington at a Glance

Population
3,648
Median Income
$89,135
Home Value
$606,900
Median Rent
$1,484/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
View all cities in Connecticut →
🗺️ County data for Connecticut

Explore county-level cost of living data

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