Cost of Living in Waterford, CT

Population 19,629 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

112
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Waterford a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $325,000.

Geographically, Waterford is about 40 miles southeast of Hartford, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 50% higher than Hartford's $217,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 107
Rent 119

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

About the Cost of Living in Waterford

The median home value in Waterford is $325,300 — 7% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,561/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,485/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Waterford has a cost of living index of 112 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$325,300
7% above avg
Median Rent
$1,561/mo
19% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,114
1 BR
$1,326
2 BR
$1,625
3 BR
$2,107
4 BR
$2,723
Owner-occupied 80.8%
Renter-occupied 19.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,561
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,175/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
22.2 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.6%
Carpooled
3.8%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
8.8%

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
$109,485
47% above avg
Per Capita Income
$52,789
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
14% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Labor Force Participation
53.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.6%
Graduate degree 16.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.9
Male median age 45.9
Female median age 47.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
43.5°F
Annual Precip
39.3"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384047566574807974635344
Low °F 232531394958656457463729
Precip" 2.682.203.823.583.313.303.243.323.833.663.243.13

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Waterford, CT?

Waterford has a cost index of 112 (100 = national average). It is 12% above the national average.

What is average rent in Waterford, CT?

The median gross rent in Waterford is $1,561 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Waterford?

The median home value in Waterford is $325,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Waterford?

The median household income in Waterford is $109,485 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Waterford, CT?

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

Is Waterford, CT affordable?

Waterford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 112 — about 12% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Waterford?

Waterford has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 39.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.