Connecticut’s small towns and coastal cities offer a nice change for New Yorkers tired of the big city.
While it’s one of the smaller states, it’s pretty densely populated, so you’ll also find plenty of urban areas if that’s what you prefer.
It’s close enough to New York City for commuters, and the cost of living is significantly lower. While it has seen a mild decrease in population over the past decade, the Constitution State has a lot to offer.
If Connecticut seems like the right choice for relocation, this guide offers moving tips that’ll help navigate you through the process.
Let’s get started!
New York to Connecticut: Average Moving Costs
When you’re trying to figure out how much your move will cost, you’ll find that it varies based on what kind of services you choose to use, as well as many other factors.
Even though Connecticut isn’t far from New York, the distance you need to travel can greatly affect your moving costs. While you’ll only need to cover around 60 miles from NYC to Bridgeport, the distance from Syracuse to Hartford is closer to 250 miles. That difference will be reflected in your cost estimate.
If you need to keep costs low, renting a self-service moving truck is your best option. You’ll pay between $300 to $1,000, plus fuel. Moving a one-bedroom apartment will require a much smaller truck than a multi-bedroom house, which accounts for the difference in price.
Unfortunately, if you go this route, you’ll need to be prepared to handle most of the work yourself. The time and physical effort this takes may not be worth the money you’ll save.
Hiring a full-service, FMCSA-registered moving company is your other option. These movers take care of everything for you, including packing, loading the truck, shipping your belongings, unloading, and unpacking at your new home. Of course, this comes with a much higher price tag. Expect to pay between $1,500 to $5,000, again depending on the number of belongings you need to move.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. You’ll need to decide how much work you can handle and what your budget will allow. Fortunately, you can make compromises to save money while still taking advantage of some moving services.
Lowering Costs
No matter which method you choose, there are ways you can lower your relocation costs. Let’s take a look at what you can do to save some money during your move.
Price Matching
Price matching is the best way to ensure an affordable move. Many long-distance movers will offer this service if you’ve taken the time to get a few valid quotes.
You can request free quotes from several local moving companies. You’ll need to compare apples to apples, so make sure each quote follows the same basic guidelines.
To do this, you’ll need to gather more accurate quotes than what you’ll find online or by phone. Professional movers will require a full inventory of your goods. To get this, they’ll visit your home or require an itemized list of your belongings. Some companies, including Your Hometown Mover, will also offer Live Video Estimates, where you can inventory your possessions with the help of a live operator.
If you need to keep your moving costs low, taking the time to gather valid quotes is well worth the hassle.
Moving Labor & Packaging Services
Full-service moves can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hire a professional moving company to help with parts of your move, like labor and packing.
Behind-the-scenes logistics surrounding interstate moves drive up costs. If you’re comfortable renting and driving a moving truck, you can cut out most of these and save some money.
Labor services allow you to hire hourly or daily movers to help where you need it the most. These movers will help you load your belongings onto your rental truck. They’ll navigate the narrow hallways and stairways that are common in densely populated areas like Brooklyn and Manhattan so that you can avoid the hassle.
You can also take advantage of packing services to make sure your belongings are stored securely enough to survive the trip.
You’ll need to hire help on both ends of the move, but having movers deal with the physical aspects of your relocation can be a lifesaver.
Financing Options
Some financing options may be available for full-service moves, allowing you to spread out the cost of your move over a set term, plus a little interest.
These “move now, pay later” options are pretty rare, and they’ve become less common in recent years.
Transit Times
It’s only a short trip from New York to Connecticut, so you may expect to have your belongings within a day or two.
But, professional moving companies won’t make a direct trip. Instead, the truck with your goods will make its way to a warehouse, possibly in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, before moving on to CT.
Interstate movers will combine your shipment with others heading to the same location. This consolidation allows moving companies to pool their resources, which is more effective and profitable for them.
Unfortunately, this means that your shipment’s estimated arrival will likely be between 7 to 14 business days from pickup.
What About Expedited Delivery?
Many moving providers offer expedited delivery options for those that can’t wait a week or two for their belongings.
You’ll pay a premium for this service, but your movers will skip warehouse consolidation and drive straight from New York to Connecticut. You’ll get your goods much faster, usually within one to three business days.
Since this could potentially cost you thousands, make sure you get estimated moving dates for both services. In some cases, expedited delivery may only save you a day or two, which probably isn’t worth the price.
If you need to move quickly, expedited delivery will help get you your goods faster and prevent them from getting mixed up or lost during warehouse consolidation.
Coordinating Delivery
Plenty of challenges and obstacles can crop up in the middle of a move. If you plan ahead for your delivery, you can avoid some of these to create a smoother move-in experience.
Shipment Tracking
When your goods are traveling hundreds of miles to your new home, it can be difficult to plan for their arrival.
When you’re moving locally, you can follow your moving truck and easily keep track of your possessions every step of the way. With an interstate move, your goods will be out of your sight for a significant amount of time.
If you don’t know the location of your belongings during transit, you also won’t know when to expect your delivery. This makes it especially frustrating when you’re trying to plan your move-in date.
With live GPS tracking information on your shipment, Your Hometown Mover offers clear peace of mind. Our world-class moving software sends automated texts, so you’ll know the exact location of your moving truck at all times. Knowing when to expect arrival will allow you to plan for the delivery.
Ask your provider if they offer this service or something similar to keep you updated on your shipment’s progress.
Urban Considerations
Urban centers come with their own moving challenges, so it pays to prepare for some of the obstacles you may encounter.
Cities are full of apartments, condos, and gated communities where you may need to make special arrangements to create a stress-free move-in day.
A few things you should check into include:
- Additional parking for your moving truck.
- Reserving an elevator in a multi-level building.
- Obtaining a guest code for gate admittance.
Coordinate with your landlord, manager, or community representative to determine what you can do to make your move date run smoothly.
Rural Considerations
Connecticut is full of small towns and rural areas, which also may require special considerations for your relocation.
The biggest issue that residents may overlook is their driveway. Overgrown shrubbery and trees with low-hanging branches may cause a problem for your moving truck.
If the moving company doesn’t feel the truck has proper clearance, they might require a shuttle service. Your goods will have to be transported from the truck to your door, and the longer the driveway, the more this service will cost.
If you make sure your movers have easy access to your front door, you won’t have to worry about any last-minute problems or added costs.
Weather Considerations
Relocating in any season comes with its own challenges that may affect your relocation.
Check the forecast in advance to prepare for the weather. You may want to delay your delivery if storms are predicted in order to avoid water damage. Moving in the rain also increases the risk of broken or damaged possessions due to slips and falls.
Snow and winter storms are an even bigger issue. It’s easy to slip on icy patches or trip over snow-laden debris. Due to wind chill and extreme cold, it’s just plain miserable trying to move during this season.
If you can’t avoid moving during difficult weather, hiring professionals to help with the move can be a real lifesaver.
Insurance
Moving insurance is often overlooked, but it can make a big difference in the outcome of lost or damaged items.
Your professional movers will do their best to protect your goods and make your relocation stress-free, but accidents do happen.
Understanding how moving insurance works and the way your carrier values your items will help you choose the best coverage for your shipment.
Basic Liability Insurance
Standard moving packages usually include basic liability insurance.
This type of coverage may be fine for some, but for most, you may be putting the value of your shipment at risk. Basic liability insurance rates are based on an item’s weight, not its actual (perceived) value.
An example rate calculated by weight might be $.60 per pound. With that in mind, you’d only receive a fraction of the value of an item such as a piece of artwork or precious jewelry if it were lost or damaged.
To make sure that your shipment is properly covered, you’ll need premium insurance.
Premium Move Coverage
If you need full-value coverage, premium insurance is the best option. Rates are determined by the item’s value, not its weight.
To secure premium insurance, you’ll need to provide your moving company with an estimated value of your entire shipment. Your movers will calculate a price based on that number. This type of insurance also usually requires a deductible. If any item is damaged or lost during transit, you’ll be able to claim the full value, minus deductibles.
While you can also utilize custom crating and packing solutions from Your Hometown Mover to better protect valuable items, choosing premium coverage is the best option if you own a significant amount of high-value items.
Moving Vehicles & Boats
While Connecticut offers decent public transportation, but residents may still benefit from owning their own car to get around the state.
With such a short distance to cover, driving your vehicle from New York to Connecticut is definitely an option. You can also attach it to a rig on the back of your rental truck if you’ve chosen to move yourself.
However, these options may not be possible if you own multiple vehicles, a boat, or just don’t feel comfortable making the drive for any number of reasons.
In this case, you’ll need to hire an auto-transporter or rigger. Most moving companies don’t have the specialized equipment necessary to haul vehicles, but they will often contract it out for you.
Your vehicle won’t follow the same delivery schedule, especially if you’ve chosen expedited services. It may be completely excluded from expedited options, or it may just take a little longer or cost extra. Talk to your provider to determine the best option for your situation.
Here at Your Hometown Mover, we also outsource this work. We’ll set everything up for you to create a seamless relocation experience.
Relocation Resources
Connecticut has a lot to offer, with a low cost of living compared to NYC, low crime rates, and top-rated schools. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top states in the nation for the highest quality of life.
You’ll find a good mix of cities and small towns, with plenty of state parks, museums, theaters, and more to explore. The state is full of job opportunities and quality health care, making it a great place to call home.
Let’s take a look at some of the cities you might be considering for your relocation.
Bridgeport
Cost of Living: 32.2% cheaper than NYC / 35.9% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 66
Transportation: Bus, Train, Car
Known for: “Park City,” Barnum and Bailey Circus
Bridgeport is the most populous city in Connecticut, and it’s considered part of Fairfield County, which just means that it’s not far from NYC. It’s also known as “Park City” since almost every neighborhood has its own park.
The most well-known among them is Seaside Park. This park has a gorgeous view of the Long Island Sound and offers the perfect place to picnic or hike along the water. It was also one of P.T. Barnum’s projects, and he hoped it would be a legacy he could leave to future generations.
You can learn all about this famous resident at the Barnum Museum, which is the leading authority on everything P.T. Barnum. You’ll find over 60,000 artifacts relating to Barnum, his circus, and Bridgeport history. You can even visit his grave at the Mountain Grove Cemetary.
Kids will love visiting the Discovery Museum and Planetarium, where they can learn and explore through interactive exhibits. The Beardsley Zoo is another great place to visit with the family. It’s the only zoo in the state and has over 350 animals to see.
If you love art, you won’t want to miss the Housatonic Museum of Art, which houses 300,000 square feet of artwork ranging from ancient pieces to more modern paintings. The Mongers Market is another great place to view and purchase vintage, salvaged antiques.
Captain’s Cove Seaport is a cute little tourist center on the waterfront. You’ll find plenty of places to stop in and shop, and fish fry restaurants abound.
Bridgeport isn’t too far from New York, so you can expect to see similar weather. Summers can be pretty warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. As a coastal city, flooding and hurricanes are major risks, along well as tropical storms, winter storms, and more. It’s important to be prepared for any eventuality.
Resources
Stamford
Cost of Living: 16.4% cheaper than NYC / 67.5% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 55
Transportation: Bus, Train, Car
Known for: Birthplace of Pizza Hut, “Sixth Borough of New York”
Stamford is another big city on the Long Island Sound, and many call it the “Sixth Borough of New York” because it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Big Apple.
Stamford Downtown is an entertainment hub full of bars, restaurants, shops, restaurants, and a hopping nightlife. You can take in a live show at The Palace Theatre, which has been open since 1927.
Just north of this area, you’ll find the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, one of the most popular attractions in the city. It’s a mix of history, nature, art, and agriculture, with plenty to see and do. Not far from the museum, you can visit the Bartlett Arboretum to explore twelve different gardens.
Cove Island Park is a great little place to relax. It has two sandy beaches, a playground, plenty of space for picnics, and a mile-long trail for walking or running. Cummings Park may be a better choice if you’re looking for more activity. It has sports pavilions, a fishing pier, a boardwalk, and more.
The Ferguson Library is a great spot if you’re looking to gather with the community. It’s been open since 1910 and offers workshops, programs, and even has movie screenings on Friday nights.
You’ll find lots of cities just like Stamford along Connecticut’s coastline, like Greenwich, Norwalk, and Westport, that offer a similar lifestyle and are worth checking out.
Stamford’s weather is also pretty similar to NYC’s, although it tends to stay a couple of degrees cooler year-round. While this may seem nice in the summers, it does make for an even colder and snowier winter. Hurricanes, floods, and blizzards are just a few of the natural hazards you can expect, so make sure you have a plan in place to deal with them.
Resources
New Haven
Cost of Living: 37.4% cheaper than NYC / 25.4% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 68
Transportation: Bus, Car, Bike
Known for: Yale, “The Elm City”
New Haven is one of the more well-known cities in Connecticut due to Yale University. This Ivy League school was founded in 1701, so you’ll find plenty of history and culture in the area. You can take a tour of the campus or just enjoy the greenery and architecture.
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is a great place to start exploring what New Haven has to offer. This museum has exhibits relating to biology, geology, anthropology, paleontology, and more. The Egyptian collection and the Great Hall of Dinosaurs are a marvel to see.
If you prefer beauty and arts, you can head over to the Yale University Art Gallery. You’ll find 250,000 works of art housed in three different buildings. Yale also owns the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, which houses rare scripts and novels.
If you’re looking for local history, the New Haven Museum is the best place to find it. Here you can explore the events and people that define “The Elm City.”
You also might like to spend some time at the New Haven Green. It’s a National Historic Landmark and the center of local life. This is where you’ll find a place to relax in the shade. But, on the weekends, it’s full of life, and you’ll often find festivals to attend every now and then.
For gorgeous views overlooking the city, you’ll want to visit East Rock Park. It’s the largest green space in the city, and it contains lots of nature, hiking trails, panoramic views, and historical markers, such as the Civil War Soldiers Monument and Indian Head Peak.
When you get hungry, stop by Little Italy for some high-quality Italian food. The restaurants in this neighborhood are the best in town.
The weather in New Haven typically stays a few degrees below New York City’s, and you’ll find more average snowfall per year. Flooding, severe storms, hurricanes, and more are possible, so make sure you have an emergency plan.
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Hartford
Cost of Living: 44.7% cheaper than NYC / 10.9% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 67
Transportation: Bus, Car
Known for: State Capital, “Insurance Capital of the World”
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut, and if it’s your first time visiting the city, you’ll find plenty that’ll make you want to stay.
The Connecticut State Capitol and Connecticut’s Old State House are sights you won’t want to miss. You can take a tour of one or both to learn about the city’s history and enjoy the architecture. If that’s not enough, you can visit the Connecticut Historical Society Museum to learn even more about the city.
If you’re a fan of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you can take a tour of the house where Samuel Longhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain, wrote these novels. The Mark Twain House & Museum features exhibits about the man and his life, and artifacts include his writing desk.
Practically next door, you’ll find the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, where the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin lived until she died in 1896. You can see several letters and documents from her life and artifacts owned by the family.
One of the oldest art museums in the country, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is a must-see. It’s been around since 1842 and has an extensive collection of art. The Connecticut Science Center is one of the city’s top attractions. This nine-story building has interactive exhibits, a theater, and more.
If you’re looking for some green, open space, take a walk in Bushnell Park. It’s the oldest publicly funded park in the nation, and it’s filled with trees, walking paths, ponds, monuments, and a carousel.
Hartford’s summer temperatures are about the same as what you’ll find in NYC, but the winters are typically five to ten degrees colder, with lows down to 22 degrees in January. Just as in the rest of CT, you’ll need to be prepared for floods, hurricanes, winter storms, and more.
Resources
Waterbury
Cost of Living: 41.8% cheaper than NYC / 16.6% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 46
Transportation: Bus, Car
Known for: “Brass City,” UCONN
Just southwest of Hartford, you’ll find Waterbury. If you’re looking for a suburban town, this might be the place for you. The Waterbury Green is considered the city’s center point, and it spans over two acres. This is where public events, rallies, and speeches have taken place over the years.
During the first and second World Wars, the Palace Theater was the place to be if you were looking for a night out. You can still take in a live performance here, whether you enjoy Broadway, music, or standup comedy.
You’ll find plenty of history in Waterbury, and if you want to learn all about the area, take a trip to the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center. You’ll find exhibits showcasing both the ancient and modern history of the area.
There are a few historical markers around the city that you won’t want to miss. The Harrub Pilgrim Memorial honors the pilgrims that helped found the city, and the Christopher Columbus Statue is located in front of City Hall.
You can also take a walking tour to see the most historic buildings in Waterbury at the Bank Street Historic District or visit the Holy Land USA Ruins, which is an old theme park that celebrates the stories of the Bible.
Take a relaxing stroll at Library Park, where you’ll find plenty of green space to walk, picnic, or relax in the shade. Check the local listings to see what special events will be hosted at the bandshell in the park.
Waterbury may be only thirty miles away from Hartford, but the temperature seems to be a few degrees cooler year-round. You can expect cold and snowy winters, with lows in the 20s, and warm, humid summers. Floods, winter storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tropical storms can occur in this city, so make sure you have an emergency plan in place.
Resources
FAQ
What is the average cost to move to CT from NY?
Relocation costs are determined by a variety of factors, so a full-service move will cost between $1,500 to $5,000.
The cheapest method involves renting a moving truck and taking care of everything yourself. This will run you between $300 to $1,000, and that doesn’t include fuel or any other services.
How long will my move take?
As a general rule can expect to wait 7 to 14 business days for your shipment when you’re moving long distances.
This timeframe can vary from company to company due to many factors. To plan ahead for your delivery, you can get a more accurate quote by talking to your provider.
You can move faster by selected expedited delivery, but be prepared to pay a premium for that service.
How is living in CT different from NY?
Connecticut is calm and peaceful. Beautiful scenery and nature are everywhere you look. Even in the big cities, you’ll have access to more blue skies and green areas than you’d see in NYC.
The cost of living is much lower than in NYC, but you’ll find it slightly higher if you’re coming from places like Syracuse, in upstate New York.
You’ll find some public transportation throughout CT. Amtrak connects the state to the surrounding New England areas, such as cities like Boston. The CTRail travels through most of the state and into New York City. Buses are available in most cities, too.
How do you get around in Connecticut?
As mentioned above, Connecticut has buses in most cities that’ll get you where you need to go. Trains also travel along most of the coast and north into the major cities in the state.
Many areas are highly bikeable or walkable, and it’s always easy to get around if you have a car.
Is Connecticut a good place to live?
Connecticut is a beautiful place to live. There’s a lot to love, with good healthcare, plenty of jobs, top-rated schools, and more.
The scenery is gorgeous, crime rates are low, and real estate and cost of living are less than in NYC. Fishing and hiking are huge attractions with pristine lakes and ponds, forests, and coasts.
If you’re looking for a place with a little more of a laid-back feel than the Big Apple, Connecticut is a great choice.
Moving from New York to Connecticut
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re planning a long-distance move from New York to Connecticut.
Your Hometown Mover can help! We’re here to help you create a long-distance moving solution that makes sense for your family. With locations in New York and South Florida, we can get you where you need to go.
Get a free moving quote to find out about our guaranteed pricing. We also offer expedited services with estimated delivery between 1 to 3 days for many locations.
Our team can help you achieve a hassle-free moving experience by taking on the heavy lifting, so you can concentrate on enjoying your new home as soon as possible.
