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Moving from California to Connecticut

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Wealthy NYC commuter belt, top schools, high taxes.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

CT state flag
Moving to

Connecticut

Capital: Hartford

Median household income $90,213 · winter low 19°F · 194 sunny days

Wealthy NYC commuter belt, top schools, high taxes.

Connecticut has an overall price level 103.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Connecticut
103.6
Connecticut has 6.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Connecticut
117.0
Connecticut has 24% lower housing costs
Groceries index
California
106.1
Connecticut
97.3
Connecticut has 8.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Connecticut
100.5
Connecticut has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
Connecticut
32.2 ¢/kWh
Connecticut has 8.5% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Connecticut
100.7
Connecticut has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Connecticut
$396,900
Connecticut is 48% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$2,104/mo
Connecticut
$1,550/mo
Connecticut is 26% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 19°F · 194 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Connecticut
84°F
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Connecticut
19°F
Connecticut is 58% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Connecticut
50°F
Connecticut is 16% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Connecticut
194
Connecticut has 25% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Connecticut
50 in
Connecticut is 97% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
56
Connecticut
53
Connecticut has 5.4% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
California
302
Connecticut
0
Connecticut has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
California
16 in
Connecticut
39 in
Connecticut is 144% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaConnecticut report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut than California?

Connecticut's overall price level is roughly 108.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Connecticut tops out at 6.99%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Connecticut?

Most Connecticut residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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