Cost of Living in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region ranks #2,422 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
Southeastern Connecticut above affordability line
Southeastern Connecticut's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Connecticut's 18.1% average but remains comfortably within national affordability standards. With median household income of $84,185—above the national median of $74,755—the region maintains manageable housing costs despite being slightly pricier than state average.
Middle-tier affordability in state rankings
Southeastern Connecticut ranks mid-range statewide with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio just above the state average of 18.1%. Its $1,316 monthly rent sits above most regions, placing it among Connecticut's moderate-to-pricier markets.
Pricier than northeastern counterpart
Southeastern Connecticut's $1,316 rent exceeds nearby Northeastern Connecticut's $1,153 by $163 monthly ($1,956 annually), though it undercuts south-central regions like Greater Bridgeport ($1,482). This positions it in the middle-to-higher cost bracket regionally.
Moderate housing burden for earners
A Southeastern Connecticut household earning $84,185 allocates approximately $15,918 annually to rent (18.8%) or $19,620 to mortgage costs on a median home valued at $293,900. The region sits slightly above state averages for housing cost burden, leaving modest but adequate income for other household needs.
Solid option between cost and location
Southeastern Connecticut offers a balanced choice for relocators: more affordable than Greater Bridgeport or South Central, yet pricier than Northeastern or Northwest regions. If coastal proximity matters more than maximum savings, this region delivers moderate cost with reasonable housing-to-income ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Affordability Verdict
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,316/month representing approximately 18.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,316/month rent versus $1,635/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $319/month cheaper — a 20% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $70,071/year. With a median household income of $84,185, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Connecticut, Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is less affordable than Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region by roughly 6% ($1,316/mo vs $1,399/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,964
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.3%
of gross income
The median home in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region may be a stretch
Median home value is $293,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,346 vs. your max of $1,964.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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