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Connecticut · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

The median household in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT earns $86,586 a year ($7,216/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,866/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $74,640 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 0.4% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$86,586$7,216 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,866HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)100.4+0.4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate24.3¢per kWh · EIA Residential CT
Census Population279,971Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,866Monthly market rent
Share of gross income25.9%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$74,640To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,165At 30% of $86,586
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:
Explore full cost-of-living calculator

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Norwich-New London-Willimantic, 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 Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,287$15,444$51,48017.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,496$17,952$59,84020.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,866$22,392$74,64025.9%
3-Bedroom Home$2,406$28,872$96,24033.3%
4-Bedroom Home$2,988$35,856$119,52041.4%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

Based on the local median household income of $86,586/year ($7,216/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,608/moRent ($1,866 2-BR), utilities (~$219/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,165/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.4 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,443/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.

$86,586
$30,000$175,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$86,586
Net 76%
Fed 12%
CT 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$65,556After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,463Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,521Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate24.3%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$10,219 / yr
Connecticut state income tax$4,187 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,624 / yr
Customize deductions in full Connecticut calculator

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT is $86,586 per year (approximately $7,216 per month).

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

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT are $1,287 for a studio, $1,496 for 1 bedroom, $1,866 for 2 bedrooms, $2,406 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,988 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT is 100.4 (0.4% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,866/month) in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT requires a minimum gross household income of $74,640 per year ($6,220 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT?

For a typical household earning the median income of $86,586/year ($7,216/month) in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,608/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,165/month to discretionary spending, and $1,443/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, 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.