Cost of Living in Watertown, CT

Population 22,171 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

97
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 Watertown a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $292,000.

Watertown sits roughly 6 miles northwest of Waterbury — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 57% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 96
Rent 99

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

About the Cost of Living in Watertown

The median home value in Watertown is $291,600 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,295/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,664/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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 61.0°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Watertown has a cost of living index of 97 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$291,600
4% below avg
Median Rent
$1,295/mo
1% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.8x
Favors buying
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 80.5%
Renter-occupied 19.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,295
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,909/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
24.4 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.7%
Carpooled
7.6%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
3.5%
Work from home
11.2%

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
$97,664
31% above avg
Per Capita Income
$48,514
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
14% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
Labor Force Participation
57.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.7%
Graduate degree 15.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.7
Male median age 45.3
Female median age 46.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.0°F
Avg Low
40.4°F
Annual Precip
44.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 373948607079848275645242
Low °F 192028384857636154423225
Precip" 3.052.934.054.133.484.053.383.544.284.493.364.12

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Watertown, CT?

Watertown has a cost index of 97 (100 = national average). It is 3% below the national average.

What is average rent in Watertown, CT?

The median gross rent in Watertown is $1,295 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Watertown?

The median home value in Watertown is $291,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Watertown?

The median household income in Watertown is $97,664 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Watertown, CT?

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

Is Watertown, CT affordable?

Watertown is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 97 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Watertown?

Watertown has average high temperatures of 61.0°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Watertown at a Glance

Population
22,171
Median Income
$97,664
Home Value
$291,600
Median Rent
$1,295/mo
Unemployment
4.1%
Avg High Temp
61.0°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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