Moving to Connecticut: costs, checklist and what to know
Connecticut at a glance for movers: Northeast region · largest city Bridgeport · capital Hartford · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Connecticut
- Income tax: Connecticut taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for the current year.
- Sales tax: Connecticut's statewide sales tax rate is 6.35%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days, according to the Connecticut DMV.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Bridgeport (about 900 road miles) runs roughly $1,320–$2,520 with a rental truck or $2,840–$6,540 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Connecticut
- Connecticut towns and cities charge an annual property tax on cars, billed by your town's tax collector.
- Commercial vehicles, including most moving trucks, are banned from the Merritt Parkway, so plan truck routes on I-95 or other roads.
- Bridgeport is the largest city, but Hartford is the capital and Stamford and New Haven are major job centers.
Main cities and metros include Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Hartford. Connecticut borders New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
How much does it cost to move to Connecticut?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Bridgeport, the largest city in Connecticut. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 2,980 | $4,210–$7,940 | $6,170–$14,030 |
| Chicago | 900 | $1,320–$2,520 | $2,840–$6,540 |
| Dallas | 1,700 | $2,450–$4,630 | $4,120–$9,420 |
| Atlanta | 960 | $1,530–$2,930 | $2,940–$6,760 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Connecticut moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Connecticut
May through October. Winter storms can bring snow and ice from December to March.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Connecticut new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Connecticut: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Connecticut?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 900 miles from Chicago to Bridgeport costs roughly $1,320–$2,520 if you rent a truck or $2,840–$6,540 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Connecticut have a state income tax?
Yes. Connecticut taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Connecticut?
Connecticut's statewide sales tax rate is 6.35%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Connecticut driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Connecticut DMV. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Connecticut?
May through October. Winter storms can bring snow and ice from December to March.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services and the Connecticut DMV, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.