Connecticut · Census, HUD and BEA figures · Updated

Cost of Living in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT

Prices around South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT run 4.6% above the U.S. average (BEA, the metro area). The typical household there earns $88,197 a year, and HUD puts a two-bedroom at $1,969 a month. Keeping that rent under 30% of income takes about $78,760 a year.

South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT at a glance

Median household income

$88,197$7,350 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-bedroom rent$1,969HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price level (U.S. = 100)104.6+4.6% · BEA, the metro area
Electricity24.3¢per kWh · EIA Residential CT
Population570,598Census ACS 5-year estimate

How much rent can you afford in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT?

HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,969Monthly market rent
Share of gross income26.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$78,760To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,205At 30% of $88,197
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

How much is rent in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT? By bedroom, 2026

HUD's fiscal 2026 Fair Market Rents for New Haven, CT MSA, with the income each one takes if rent stays under 30% of it.

HUD Fair Market Rent in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT, fiscal 2026
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,372$16,464$54,88018.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,591$19,092$63,64021.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,969$23,628$78,76026.8%
3-Bedroom Home$2,433$29,196$97,32033.1%
4-Bedroom Home$2,872$34,464$114,88039.1%

Rent in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT, with the wage each unit needs →

What a typical income covers in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT

The 50/30/20 rule applied to the local median of $88,197 a year ($7,350 a month before tax).

Needs (50%)$3,675/moRent ($1,969 2-BR), utilities (~$219/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,205/moEating out, travel, subscriptions and the rest
Savings and debt (20%)$1,470/moEmergency fund, retirement, paying down loans

What $88,197 leaves after Connecticut taxes

Federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and Connecticut tax on the local median income. Change the salary to see yours.

$88,197
$35,000$180,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$88,197
Net 76%
Fed 12%
CT 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$66,601After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,550Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,562Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate24.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$10,573 / yr
Connecticut state income tax$4,276 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,747 / yr

Living in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT: common questions

What is the median household income in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT is $88,197 per year (approximately $7,350 per month).

What is the average rent in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT?

The closest official figure is HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026: $1,372 for a studio, $1,591 for one bedroom, $1,969 for two, $2,433 for three and $2,872 for four, utilities included.

It is not an average of listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so a new lease on a nicer place will usually cost more.

Is South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT expensive to live in?

Prices there run 4.6% above the U.S. average. BEA's regional price parity for the metro area is 104.6, where the U.S. is 100. Rent moves the number most: housing is where places differ, while goods cost about the same everywhere.

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT?

To keep a $1,969 two-bedroom under 30% of gross income, a household needs about $78,760 a year, or $6,563 a month. That is 89% of what the typical household in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT earns.

How much do you need to live comfortably in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT?

On the local median income of $88,197 ($7,350 a month before tax), the 50/30/20 rule leaves $3,675 a month for needs like rent, utilities and groceries, $2,205 for everything else and $1,470 for savings or debt. A two-bedroom at $1,969 takes 54% of the needs share.

How much is the electric bill in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT?

Homes in Connecticut paid 24.3¢ per kWh on average (EIA). At 900 kWh a month, a typical use, that is about $219. Your bill depends mostly on heating and cooling.