Fairfield County typically has the most expensive homes in Connecticut, but a new study just ranked two of our largest cities outside of Fairfield County among the top 5 most expensive places to live in the U.S. for 2024-2025.
US News & World Report has named Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, the most expensive place to live in the United States for 2024-2025. The report also ranks Hartford 148th in the Best Places to Live category and 56th in the Best Places to Retire list. Hartford falters on the value side, scoring an overall score of 3.3 out of 10, with daily expenses such as groceries and transportation above the national average and the median sales price for homes in Hartford slightly above the national average.
New Haven’s cultural offerings make the city an attractive travel destination
New Haven also made the top 5 of the U.S. News & World Report list, and is the 4th most expensive place to live in the U.S. for 2024-2025. Between Hartford (#1) and New Haven’s #4 spot were Los Angeles (#2) and Miami (#3). New Haven ranked just one spot ahead of Hartford in the Best Places to Live in the U.S. at #147 and was named the 43rd best place to retire in the U.S. Utilities, transportation, and daily expenses are all above the national average in New Haven, with an average median home price of $273,625 and an average rent of $1,430.
If I had to choose, I’d choose New Haven over Hartford. New Haven offers live entertainment, culture, and world-class cuisine that’s nationally acclaimed. A few dollars more will get you a little further along the coast.
The best and worst nicknames for cities and places in Connecticut
I was born in the Brass City and now live in Borington, which you know as Waterbury and Torrington. Both nicknames fit well in my opinion, but some Connecticut towns and communities have done much better or failed miserably. These are the best and worst nicknames a Connecticut town or community has adopted.
Gallery credit: Google Maps
Woodbury was named the most charming town in Connecticut in 2024
