Moving internationally to the state with the highest personal income per capita will be an easy task if you go over the cost of living in Connecticut beforehand. This means you have to put down on paper expenses like utilities, groceries, housing, transportation, as well as salaries and see just how much money you’ll need to become a Connecticuter.
Moving to Connecticut will put you in the birthplace of a polaroid camera, hamburger, color TV, and helicopter. You will also settle in a spot with high quality of life, a diverse population, and breathtaking open spaces. However, before becoming a resident, you might wonder is it expensive to live in Connecticut? Or even how much do you need to live comfortably in Connecticut? To help you relocate fast and without a fuss, we answered these for you, so take a look and see if you have what it takes to be a Connecticuter.
There Are Things You Should Know Before Moving Internationally to CT
The US is one of the best countries to live in the world since it offers a variety of employment, education, and entertainment opportunities to all newcomers. There are 50 states to choose from, and if you opt for CT, you can avoid the relocation stress that comes with every move by preparing and researching the area beforehand. Knowing the answer to questions like what is Connecticut known for or Is Connecticut a good place to live will help you fit in faster. That’s why before you start packing, there are things you should learn, like:
- CT is the third smallest state by area.
- It has more than 3,565,000 residents, and around 11% of the population is foreign-born, making it one of the best places to live abroad as an expat. Furthermore, with a significant number of Italian, Irish, Polish, and French immigrants, you can be sure there are plenty of expat communities that can help you fit in.
- If you are moving overseas from a non-English speaking country to the US, you should look into all the ways you can efficiently learn a language abroad since English is the official language.
- CT is the home of many famous Americans like George W. Bush, Katharine Hepburn, J. P. Morgan, and many others.
Compare the Prices in Major Cities to Find the Best One to Settle In
If you are moving overseas to the US and looking for a place to settle in, you’ll have plenty to choose from. However, if your mind is already set on CT, you should narrow down your choices and pick the one that fits you best. Usually, newcomers flock to big cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford, and if you are one of them, compare them before making a decision.
Bridgeport is a great place for those that want to become homeowners. Buying a residence here costs around $115 per square foot. New Haven is an excellent choice for those that want to rent bigger apartments since the price for a three-bedroom home here is, on average, $2,020. Finally, if you are looking for a spot with affordable health care and kindergarten for kids, Hartford is the answer.
Housing Affects the Average Cost of Living in Connecticut
No matter if you are moving across the world or just across the country, putting a roof over your head should be one of the priorities. Have you decided whether you should live in the city or in the suburbs? Or maybe you have reasons to move to the countryside? Whatever the case, those that plan on living in Connecticut will have plenty of housing options.
The state can offer you everything from starter homes and condos to repurposed historic structures turned into residences. Furthermore, compared to the other states on the East Coast, CT real estate market costs less. According to data from CERC, housing in CT is 15% to 50% less expensive than in New York and Boston. This being said, you should know that the median home price here is $457,000, while the rent is $1,430 per month, according to PayScale. These can affect your expenses, that’s why if you are trying to save up, you should look for less expensive locations to settle in.
You Can Find a Home With Affordable Rent in CT
Those on a tight budget should consider settling in more affordable areas of the state where renting a home wouldn’t leave them broke. That being said, some of the best places to live in Connecticut are also some of the most budget-friendly ones:
- Meriden is a tight-knit community with more than 3,000 acres of park space and around 70 different recreational locations ideal for people moving with dogs. Also, if you are relocating with children, Meriden can be a spot for you because there are plenty of highly-rated elementary, middle, and high schools. Here, the median rent is $980.
- Naugatuck is a town in New Haven County loaded with historical spots and parks. Its suburban vibe is ideal for people looking to settle in a more slow-paced environment that is well connected with other cities. The median rent here is $1,000.
- Torrington is a city located in Litchfield County, and it is one of the safest areas in CT. Its crime rates are 52% lower than the national average, and those numbers keep decreasing. If you opt for settling here, you can expect to pay a median rent of $900.
There Are Many Day-to-Day Expenses You Should Think About
No matter if you are relocating for love or in pursuit of knowledge or chasing a career, there are some day-to-day expenses that you can’t avoid. A part of figuring out how to live abroad is dealing with unavoidable daily expenses like food and transportation. You might wonder Why is it so expensive to live in Connecticut, but when you put all the costs on paper, it will be easy to grasp where your money is going. Furthermore, you can use this knowledge to save up.
Utilities and Groceries Affect Connecticut Cost of Living
Paying bills every month is something you will do no matter where you settle. Data from the website Expatistan shows that you need approximately $150 per month in CT to cover basic utilities like electricity, garbage, water, cooling, and heating. If you want to have an unlimited ADSL internet connection, you’ll need an additional $70.
Groceries are another thing to consider, and the amount of cash you spend on them will depend on your eating habits. If you are more up for cooking, the groceries will knock around $880 out of your pocket monthly. However, if you prefer to dine out, be prepared to pay $15 for an inexpensive dish and around $25 for a three-course meal.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Connecticut if You Are a Driver
Have you thought about shipping your car overseas to CT? The area is well connected with other states via the Interstate highway system, so you can take advantage of it and drive around. Furthermore, cities also have an extensive network of toll roads, making driving an easy and pleasant experience. That being said, you should know that the price of regular gasoline is around $2.65 per gallon, according to the website GasBuddy.
Visit to a Nearby Museum or a Theater Will Affect Your Monthly Budget
When you are preparing for your international relocation, you will certainly wonder what to do in Connecticut if you like to have fun? Luckily, there is a long line of museums you can check out, some of them are completely free, while others charge around $20 per ticket. Moviegoers will need approximately $25 for two tickets, while those that enjoy theater will need $200 for tickets.
Figure Out How Much Is the Average Salary in CT
Relocating from one place to another means you will more likely than not seek employment. You should consider finding a job in a foreign country before you move and save yourself the trouble of looking when you start unpacking. Luckily, you chose to settle in CT, a place with an unemployment rate lower than the national average.
With industries like insurance, real estate, health care, and education present in the state, you won’t have too much trouble landing a job. The average yearly salary is $72,000 according to the website PayScale, while the hourly rate is $19.40, but these can vary depending on entry-level and experience.
There Are More Than a Few Well-Paid Jobs
Have you ever wondered who gets paid more – dentists or managers, lawyers, or psychiatrists? Take a look at the list of highest-paid positions in CT, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, who knows, you might find your job on it:
- Obstetricians and gynecologists – $260,000 per year
- Dentists – $192,550 a year
- Compensation and Benefits Managers – $175,300 per year
- Judges – $162,000 a year
- Marketing Managers – $159,000 per year.
Hiring an International Moving Company to Help You Relocate Is Also One of the Expenses
One of the main challenges when moving abroad is the move itself. There will be so many things to think about, that’s why sometimes people forget to take into consideration relocation expenses when they are making a budget. Even though this is not something that you’ll pay on a monthly basis, it can have a huge impact on your finances in the first few weeks after the move.
If you are wondering how do you move to another country, the answer is simple – hire an overseas shipping company to help you. Remember, there are many reasons why you should hire an overseas moving company. For example, professionals can provide you with top-notch packing services while you’re looking for a home, and they can also assist you with vehicle shipping overseas. Not only that, you can take advantage of international moving services, kick back and relax while the movers do the grunt work.
However, all of these services come with a price. When creating a budget, make sure to call international Connecticut movers and ask for a free quote. The prices will vary depending on the services, location, and volume of the shipment. Nevertheless, you can expect to pay somewhere between $4,500 and $5,000 for a 20′ full container load.
Becoming a New Resident of CT Will Pay off in the Long Run
Boxing up everything you own and relocating to an unfamiliar location can’t be easy, but having a neatly crafted plan and carefully calculated budget can speed up the process. Settling in CT means you get to pick where you put down some roots, from big urban areas to peaceful countryside spots, there is something for everyone. You will also be in a state with vast employment, entertainment, and education opportunities, so take advantage of it. Land a dream job because CT might be more expensive than some other states, but with above the average salaries, you will find a way to cover all of your expenses and save up. Overall, becoming a Connecticuter might be a long process, but it will pay off in the long run.
