City Comparison
Bridgeport vs Norwalk
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Norwalk scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Bridgeport
Norwalk
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Bridgeport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Norwalk.
Housing costs are a major driver: Bridgeport's average rent is
15% lower than Norwalk's.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Norwalk | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,000 | $2,350 | -15% |
| Groceries | $400 | $520 | -23% |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 | -14% |
| Transport | $120 | $140 | -14% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $280 | -11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,950 | $3,500 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 128 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Norwalk offers 12% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bridgeport delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bridgeport is estimated at
$60,000 vs $72,000 in Norwalk.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $74,000 | $84,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,476 idx | 65,625 idx |
| Household Income | $58,685 | $98,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.4°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Bridgeport sees 1.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | 53.60°F |
| Summer High | 81.40°F | 82.40°F |
| Winter Low | 24.20°F | 24.70°F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | 44.50 in |
| Snowfall | 20.60 in | 19.30 in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | 250 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Bridgeport has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Norwalk.
Bridgeport scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bridgeport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bridgeport is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Norwalk.
From a growth perspective, Bridgeport is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Norwalk has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,153 | 91,184 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.61% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 36.7 | 39.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bridgeport
Advantages
Average rent of $2,000 per month remains significantly lower than neighboring Fairfield County towns per Zillow 2026 data
Direct Metro-North rail connection provides streamlined commuting to New York City and Stamford
Vibrant entertainment venues like the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater drive a lively local arts scene
Extensive coastal park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted offers abundant green space and waterfront access
Rich cultural diversity creates a dynamic community fabric with exceptional local dining and markets
Drawbacks
Overall property tax rates remain among the highest in the state, impacting local homeowners
Violent and property crime rates in certain pockets exceed national averages
Public school performance indices lag behind state averages, creating challenges for families
Local poverty rate remains elevated at approximately 21% per U.S. Census Bureau estimates
Traffic congestion along the I-95 corridor during peak hours causes frequent commuting delays
Norwalk
Advantages
Direct Metro-North commuter rail access to Grand Central Terminal in New York City
Thriving coastal lifestyle with extensive boating, marina, and beach access along Long Island Sound
Vibrant downtown SoNo district featuring diverse dining, arts, and the Maritime Aquarium
Robust local economy anchored by healthcare, professional services, and corporate headquarters
High educational attainment and strong public community engagement initiatives
Drawbacks
Cost of living and housing expenses significantly exceed the national average
Heavy commuter traffic congestion along the Interstate 95 and Route 7 corridors
Competitive real estate market with high median home purchase prices
High local property and state tax burdens typical of Fairfield County
Moderate car dependency in outer residential neighborhoods outside the urban core
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Bridgeport
#570Connecticut, USA
46.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,000
Avg Salary
$74,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.61%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
Business
65
Norwalk
#495Connecticut, USA
53.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,350
Avg Salary
$84,000
Cost Index
128
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
53.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
78
Business
72
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