Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Connecticut (2025)

If you're looking to live in Connecticut without breaking the bank, this list of the top 10 most affordable cities is for you. These cities are ranked based on the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment and the median sale price of a 3-bedroom home. 

Be sure to watch the video to learn about the pros and cons of each location, helping you decide which city might be the right fit.

1. Waterbury

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,600/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$295,000

👍 Pros: Best-in-state bargains, diverse housing, commuter rail access
👎 Cons: Some high-crime areas; slower redevelopment

2. Torrington

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,900–2,100/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$270,000

👍 Pros: Family-friendly, parks, excellent value

👎 Cons: Limited jobs, older housing, less transit

3. Hartford

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,500–1,600/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$290,000

👍 Pros: Urban amenities, transit, central CT

👎 Cons: Crime/school disparities, rent volatility

4. New Britain

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$2,100–2,200/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$290,000

👍 Pros: Near Hartford, cultural activities, growing amenities

👎 Cons: Rental costs creeping, traffic

5. Norwich

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$2,100/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: <$350,000

👍 Pros: Lower cost, coastal proximity, mid-sized town

👎 Cons: Smaller job market, less transit

6. Bridgeport

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,900–1,950/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$343,000

👍 Pros: Waterfront living, transit options, redevelopment underway

👎 Cons: Crime, school challenges, rent hikes

7. Meriden

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$2,100–2,200/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$312,000

👍 Pros: Central CT, mid-market value, commuter-friendly
👎 Cons: Performance varies across neighborhoods

8. Bristol

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,900–2,100/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$367,000

👍 Pros: Strong schools, family vibe, moderate cost

👎 Cons: Lacks rail transit; housing stock older

9. Manchester

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$1,900–2,100/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$361,000

👍 Pros: Good schools, services, medical centers

👎 Cons: Nearly CT-average pricing, minimal transit

10. New Haven

• 2-Bedroom Rent: ~$2,250–2,700/month
• 3-Bedroom Home Price: ~$330,000

👍 Pros: University-driven culture, transit, healthcare, redevelopment
👎 Cons: Rent higher than others, urban crime pockets

Whether you're buying your first home or trying to lower your monthly rent, these cities offer some of the best values in Connecticut in 2025. Consider your lifestyle, job location, and commute needs when picking the place that’s right for you.