Cost of Living in Greenwich CT 2025
Complete Breakdown

If you're thinking about moving to Greenwich, you probably want to know what it costs. I get it. When we moved here from the Upper West Side, I did the same research. Let me break down the real numbers for you.

Greenwich is expensive. There's no way around that. But it's also worth it for a lot of families. The schools are excellent. The community is strong. You get way more space than in the city. Let me show you what you'll actually spend.

Housing is the biggest expense in Greenwich. The median home price sits around $1.5 million. But prices vary a lot depending on where you look. Neighborhoods like Belle Haven and Backcountry have homes that go for much more. We're talking $5 million to $50 million in some areas.

If you're looking for something more affordable, Cos Cob might be a good option. You can find homes there starting around $900,000. But most family homes in walkable neighborhoods start at $1.5 million and go up from there.

Renting isn't much cheaper. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $3,000 per month. Larger apartments in good locations cost more. If you're thinking about buying, remember you'll also pay property taxes. In Greenwich, those can be substantial because home values are so high.

Property taxes in Greenwich are based on a mill rate. As of 2024, that rate is about 11.28. That means you pay about $11.28 for every $1,000 of assessed value. The assessed value is usually about 70% of the market value.

So if you buy a $2 million home, the assessed value might be around $1.4 million. Your property taxes would be roughly $15,000 to $18,000 per year. That's actually lower than many neighboring towns. It's also way less than what you'd pay in Westchester County, New York.

Most Greenwich homeowners pay between $20,000 and $40,000 per year in property taxes. It depends on the value of your home. The good news is that these taxes fund excellent public schools. So if you're using the public schools, you're getting something for that money.

After you buy or rent a home, you need to keep it running. Utilities in Greenwich are pretty reasonable compared to national averages. For basic utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, expect to pay around $200 to $300 per month. That depends on the size of your home and how much you use.

Internet service averages around $60 to $100 per month. That depends on your provider and what plan you choose. If you live in a larger home, you might also pay more for maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal. All of that adds to your monthly costs.

Many Greenwich homes are older and need regular upkeep. Budget for things like roof repairs, HVAC maintenance, and general home improvements. If you're not handy, you'll need to hire people. That costs money, but it's part of owning a home here.

When it comes to groceries, expect to spend more in Greenwich than in most other parts of Connecticut. The cost of living here is higher partly because people want high-quality, locally sourced, and organic goods. Those things cost more.

A trip to the grocery store could cost you 10 to 20% more than the national average. For example, a gallon of milk might cost around $5. A dozen eggs could be $4 or more. Organic produce is popular here, and that adds to the bill.

Dining out is another expense to think about. Greenwich has lots of great restaurants. You can find affordable places, but the average meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $20 to $30 per person. If you eat out regularly, that adds up fast.

There are plenty of fine dining options too. Those can easily cost $100 or more per person. But you can also find good pizza places, casual spots, and family-friendly restaurants that won't break the bank.

Greenwich is close to New York City, which makes it popular with commuters. The Metro-North Railroad is the main way people get to the city. Monthly passes cost around $300, depending on which line you use and which stops you need.

Express trains reach Grand Central Terminal in about 45 minutes. That's pretty good compared to other suburbs. The trains are generally reliable, which is more than you can say about the subway.

If you own a car, you'll need to pay for gas. Gas prices in Greenwich tend to be higher than the national average. Parking can also be an expense, especially if you're commuting into the city by car. You'll also need insurance and routine maintenance, which can be more expensive here because of the high cost of living.

Many families have two cars. That means two car payments, two insurance bills, and two sets of maintenance costs. If you're coming from the city where you didn't need a car, this is a new expense to factor in.

Healthcare is another important part of the cost of living in Greenwich. The town has excellent healthcare facilities. But accessing top-tier care comes at a price. Health insurance premiums, doctor visits, and prescription medications can all be more expensive than in other areas.

If you work for a company that offers healthcare benefits, that helps. But if you're paying out of pocket or have private insurance, expect your monthly premiums and copays to be on the higher end. Many Greenwich residents see specialized doctors, which can increase healthcare expenses.

Dental and vision care may not always be fully covered by insurance. That adds to your overall living costs. It's worth checking what your insurance covers before you move, especially if you have ongoing health needs.

For families with children, education is a big part of the cost of living in Greenwich. The town has excellent public schools that are free if you live here. But many residents choose private schools, which cost a lot.

Private school tuition ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the school. Some schools cost even more. That's a huge expense, but many families think it's worth it for smaller class sizes and specialized programs.

Childcare is another big expense. If you need full-time daycare or a nanny, expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour. That depends on experience and what services you need. For preschool-aged children, daycare centers in Greenwich charge anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 per month.

Many families use a combination of part-time childcare, grandparents, or nanny shares to manage costs. Some families have au pairs, which cost around $20,000 to $25,000 per year all-in. That includes room, board, and a small stipend.

The cost of living in Greenwich is high, but the town offers plenty of ways to enjoy life. There are beautiful beaches, parks, and outdoor activities that are free or low-cost. You can spend weekends at Greenwich Point Park without spending a dime.

But if you enjoy more expensive forms of entertainment, those can add up. Memberships to golf or yacht clubs cost thousands per year. Tickets to the local theater or cultural events aren't cheap. High-end shopping on Greenwich Avenue is definitely a thing.

Greenwich has lots of cultural events, fine dining, and exclusive recreational clubs. But participating in these activities often requires a financial commitment. Many residents find that while they pay a premium to live here, they also get access to an exceptional quality of life.

Taxes in Greenwich CT

Connecticut has one of the highest tax rates in the country, and Greenwich is no exception. In addition to high property taxes, residents also pay state income tax. That ranges from 3% to 6.99%, depending on your income bracket.

Sales tax in Greenwich is 6.35%. That's pretty standard for the state. But it's another cost that adds up when combined with the area's high cost of goods and services. Everything you buy costs a bit more because of that tax.

One thing to know: Connecticut is one of the few states that has both an estate tax and a gift tax. If you plan on staying in Greenwich long-term and passing assets to future generations, that's something to think about. It can affect high-net-worth individuals.

But here's the good news: unlike New York City, Greenwich doesn't have a local income tax. If you're moving from NYC, you'll save that 3.9% city tax. For high earners, that can mean significant savings. Some families use those savings to offset higher property taxes.