Shelton, CT

Above Avg · 128

Connecticut · Population 41,402 · Updated March 2026

$1,661
Median Rent / Month
$114,739
Median Income
$435,700
Median Home Value
$1,857
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Shelton

17.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Connecticut

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

6.99%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.35%
Sales Tax
2.15%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$19,932
Annual Rent
$8,020
State Income Tax
$9,368
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Shelton has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 128 (where 100 equals the national median), Shelton residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,661/month while earning a median household income of $114,739/year.

The median home value in Shelton, CT is $435,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,857 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Connecticut has a moderate income tax rate of 6.99%. Combined with a 6.35% sales tax rate and 2.15% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Shelton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Shelton

What is the cost of living in Shelton, CT?
The cost of living index in Shelton, CT is 128 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,661, median household income is $114,739/year, and the median home value is $435,700.
Is Shelton, CT affordable?
No, Shelton is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 128. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Shelton, CT?
The median gross rent in Shelton, CT is $1,661 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,932.
What is the median household income in Shelton?
The median household income in Shelton, CT is $114,739 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Connecticut?
Connecticut has a top income tax rate of 6.99%, a sales tax of 6.35%, and an effective property tax rate of 2.15%.