Connecticut · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Bridgeport, CT

The median household in Bridgeport, CT earns $58,685 a year ($4,890/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $2,511/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $100,440 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 6.9% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$58,685$4,890 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$2,511HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)106.9+6.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate24.3¢per kWh · EIA Residential CT
Census Population149,153Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Bridgeport, CT

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Severe cost burden (> 50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$2,511Monthly market rent
Share of gross income51.3%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$100,440To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,467At 30% of $58,685
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Bridgeport, CT

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Bridgeport, CT
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,731$20,772$69,24035.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment$2,100$25,200$84,00042.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$2,511$30,132$100,44051.3%
3-Bedroom Home$3,036$36,432$121,44062.1%
4-Bedroom Home$3,598$43,176$143,92073.6%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Bridgeport, CT →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Bridgeport, CT

Based on the local median household income of $58,685/year ($4,890/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,445/moRent ($2,511 2-BR), utilities (~$219/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,467/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 106.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$978/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Connecticut

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Connecticut state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$58,685
$20,000$120,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$58,685
Net 80%
Fed 8%
CT 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$47,081After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,923Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,811Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.8%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,862 / yr
Connecticut state income tax$2,252 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,489 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Connecticut with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Bridgeport, CT

What is the median household income in Bridgeport, CT?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Bridgeport, CT is $58,685 per year (approximately $4,890 per month).

What is the average rent in Bridgeport, CT?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Bridgeport, CT are $1,731 for a studio, $2,100 for 1 bedroom, $2,511 for 2 bedrooms, $3,036 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,598 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Bridgeport, CT compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Bridgeport, CT is 106.9 (6.9% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Bridgeport, CT?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,511/month) in Bridgeport, CT requires a minimum gross household income of $100,440 per year ($8,370 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Bridgeport, CT?

For a typical household earning the median income of $58,685/year ($4,890/month) in Bridgeport, CT, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,445/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,467/month to discretionary spending, and $978/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Bridgeport, CT?

Residential electricity rates in Connecticut average 24.3¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $219 per month.