[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Eeko156

True, but with wages being higher does that make it relative? I was figuring in for higher wages on average (with CT having a higher education rate).


But you are right about the actual housing costs if one was only to look at that.

It's far more than just housing. It's taxes, utilities, groceries, pretty much everything.

Check out bank rate's cost of living calculator, which is pretty accurate. I quickly typed in a New Havem/Tampa COL comparison, since NH is about average for CT. In most cases, including housing, CT was double the cost of FL.

[wolf39us]

I don't know. Things are more expensive in CT, sure. Payrate is massively different though.

For me personally.

Clearwater, FL - Rent = $775 (1br apartment)
Utilities - Average was about $150
My average wage in the same line of work - $13/hr




Naugatuck, CT - Rent = $1,000 (2br full basement)
Utilities - Average about $150
Average wage here same line of work - $22/hr

My car is about $300 year in taxes and it's worth over 13k. I might pay a little more in groceries... but it's not a huge amount.

Gas is about $0.15 - $0.20 more


In my specific case, I am making significantly more in CT

[SeaDoo342]

Originally Posted by wolf39us

In my specific case, I am making significantly more in CT

A good way to judge difference in pay is by looking at jobs funded by local governments....

Teacher salary (starting):

FL- 35k
CT - 42k

Police salary (starting):

FL - 34k
CT- 52k

[Eeko156]

Utilities for us were higher in FLA - I guess for hot-natured people, a/c costs more than heat.

[nep321]

Cost of living is high all over CT and especially high in Fairfield County. I'm 32 and single and living in the Hartford area and have come to peace with myself that I will never afford a decent home in my entire life, unless one of the following circumstances (or a combination) change later on: (a) marriage with a double household income, (b) substantial pay raises or benefit increases at my job, (c) property values drop big time, (d) receipt of inheritance or insurance proceeds, or (e) I completely stop taking any vacations or buying things for many years. That's it, and I've come 100% to accept it. And I have many friends in my age group in CT who are in the exact same boat.

But I really like my company and job. Out of all six jobs I've held, it's the best one ever, in terms of company culture and people, despite having subpar pay and benefits. And I just passed the probation period!

[Eeko156]

Originally Posted by nep321

Cost of living is high all over CT and especially high in Fairfield County. I'm 32 and single and living in the Hartford area and have come to peace with myself that I will never afford a decent home in my entire life, unless one of the following circumstances (or a combination) change later on: (a) marriage with a double household income, (b) substantial pay raises or benefit increases at my job, (c) property values drop big time, (d) receipt of inheritance or insurance proceeds, or (e) I completely stop taking any vacations or buying things for many years. That's it, and I've come 100% to accept it. And I have many friends in my age group in CT who are in the exact same boat.

But I really like my company and job. Out of all six jobs I've held, it's the best one ever, in terms of company culture and people, despite having subpar pay and benefits. And I just passed the probation period!

I'm currently eyeing condos in Rocky Hill that are in the 129K range. I know a condo is not as desirable as a SFH (for many people), but you certainly won't have to rent the rest of your life.


Congrats on passing probation! It sounds like you love your job

[SeaDoo342]

Originally Posted by Eeko156

Utilities for us were higher in FLA - I guess for hot-natured people, a/c costs more than heat.

There is no way that AC in FL cost more than heat in winter in CT.... did you have oil or natural gas? Winter utilities in CT are astronomical. Hundreds per month...

[wolf39us]

Originally Posted by SeaDoo342

There is no way that AC in FL cost more than heat in winter in CT.... did you have oil or natural gas? Winter utilities in CT are astronomical. Hundreds per month...

Actually it was cheaper here in CT for me as well.

My gas would run me about $75-$80 a month with electric about $60 in a 2br.

A/C in the hottest part of the year would be a bit more than $160.

[BPt111]

CT vs Florida

[RunD1987]

Lot of nurses at the hospital I work at are moving down to Florida same pay rate and large sign on bonuses. Me there's two thing's with the weather not a fan of oppressive humidity and a year with 20 inches or more of snow. So Florida doesn't work for me ha.