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Cost of Living
The cost of living in New London, CT, has a cost of living approximately 14%–17% higher than the U.S. national average. Driven by high housing, transportation and food costs, it is slightly more affordable than the average Connecticut city.
New London vs. National Average (National average = 100)
The cost of living in Groton, CT, is approximately 17% higher than the U.S. national average. Key expenses driving this index include housing, food and healthcare costs, which are significantly above average.
Groton vs. National Average (National average = 100)
An amount below (-)100 means Connecticut is cheaper than the U.S. average. A cost-of-living index above 100 means Connecticut is more expensive. Connecticut's cost of living is 117.0 above the national average.
NOTE: The cost of living in the New London area, which encompasses Groton and New London, is above the national average, making it more expensive for those stationed at Naval Submarine Base New London.
The cost-of-living adjustment will begin in January 2026. LINK: https://www.ssa.gov/cola/
Local Counties & Immediate Area
SEAT Bus: Local fares are $1.75 ($0.85 for seniors and passengers with disabilities).
Fare Category CT transit Local Fares SEAT Bus Fares
Uber and other rideshare services:
Shore Line East train: Connects New London to New Haven and intermediate stations.
Amtrak: some advance tickets starting as low as $6 Costs average
Regional Bus Travel Costs (Approximate)
NOTE: Uber and Lyft are authorized public transportation providers allowed to pick up and drop off riders directly within Naval Submarine Base New London (Groton SUBASE; however, their Access is limited to the Upper Base area only.
Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by worldwide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The Global DSN Operator: 312-560-1110.
Stateside to Stateside: Dial the DSN prefix (often 94 for within the continental U.S.) followed by the 7-digit number.
Overseas to Overseas: Dial 94 (or the appropriate prefix for your location) followed by the 3-digit DSN area code and the 7-digit number.
Stateside to Overseas: Dial 98-1 (or appropriate prefix) followed by the area code and 7-digit DSN number.
The mission of the Naval Submarine Base New London provides support over assigned shore organizations: to provide a Base Operations Support infrastructure to the operating forces of the Navy as well as other Naval organizations and tenants, and to program and budget for resources to support BOS requirements. Naval Submarine Base New London ensures and enhances national security by providing the facilities, delivering the services, and creating the environment for the Fleet, Fighter, and Family to deploy combat-ready submarines and their crews, and, train professional submariners.
Submarine base established on 13 October 1915, four submarines arrived in Groton, along with the monitor Ozark serving as a submarine tender. Designated the Navy’s first Submarine Base in 1915, SUBASE New London currently occupies approximately 687 acres along the Thames River. The base has 11 submarine piers (9 SSN rated, 2 Adequate). The base also is home to more than 70 tenant commands and employs more than 9,500 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel. SUBASE New London supports more than 1,500 PPV Family Housing units on some 530 acres.
History
From a basic 19th-century naval yard into the "Submarine Capital of the World" spans several distinct eras:
The Origins: A Civil War Idea (1860s–1912)
The baseline for the installation began during the Civil War. In 1863, a naval commission explored potential sites for a new yard. The state of Connecticut and local community leaders, looking to foster regional economic growth, stepped forward to secure the location.
On April 11, 1868, Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles signed the deed of gift, accepting 112 acres of land along the Thames River donated by the local community. By 1872, the Navy had constructed a "T"-shaped pier and two brick buildings, officially designating it a Navy Yard.
Initially, the yard had a very quiet existence. It was primarily used to store and lay up inactive, decommissioned ships. In 1898, Congress approved funding to build a coaling station at the yard to refuel small naval craft traveling through New England. However, as the Navy rapidly transitioned from coal to oil-powered warships in the early 20th century, the coaling station became obsolete. By 1912, oil had replaced coal in warships, and the yard was repeatedly scheduled for closure. However,
Birth of the Submarine Base & WWI (1915–1919)
A submarine tender, and four submarines arrived in Groton, giving new purpose to the yard’s existence and a brand-new type of naval warfare that completely changed the fate of the yard. On October 18, 1915, the submarines G-1, G-2, and G-4 arrived under the care of the tender USS Ozark. Shortly after, additional E- and D-class submarines arrived alongside the tender USS Tonopah.
Recognizing the strategic potential of the site for undersea warfare, the Navy shifted the base's trajectory forever. On June 21, 1916, Commander Yeates Stirling assumed command of the newly designated Submarine Base, the New London Submarine Flotilla, and the Submarine School.
With the outbreak of World War I, the base expanded aggressively. Congress poured more than a million dollars into real estate and infrastructure development. Following World War I, the Navy established schools and training facilities at the base. By 1918, the base had grown to feature 81 buildings supporting 1,400 sailors and 20 submarines.
The Expansion Eras & The "Dive Tower" (1920s–1940s)
Growth slowed during the post-WWI drawdown of the 1920s, but the base received a surprising lift during the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's public employment programs were leveraged to significantly enhance and modernize the physical infrastructure of the base.
In 1930, the base constructed its most iconic landmark: the 100-foot-tall Escape Training Tank (famously known as the "Dive Tower"). For over 60 years, generations of submariners trained in this tower, learning to ascend safely from up to 80 feet of water using early survival gear like the Momsen lung and later the Steinke hood.
When the United States entered World War II, the base underwent another massive footprint expansion, swelling from its original size to nearly 500 acres to train thousands of submariners and support the heavy Atlantic fleet demands against German U-boats.
The Nuclear Age & The Cold War (1950s–1990s)
In the mid-20th century, New London became the epicenter of the nuclear navy. The base worked hand-in-hand with its immediate neighbor, General Dynamics' Electric Boat Division—the premier builder of American submarines.
In 1954, Electric Boat launched the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's very first operational nuclear-powered submarine. The Nautilus called New London its home port. From this base, it departed on its historic 1958 journey to become the first vessel to cross the geographic North Pole. Following its retirement in 1980, the Nautilus returned permanently to the area, where it remains today as a floating museum open to the public at the Submarine Force Library and Museum.
Throughout the Cold War, the base also served as a technological powerhouse. From 1945 to 1970, it hosted the Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory, which served as the absolute center for American surface and submarine sonar development.
The Modern Base
Today, Naval Submarine Base New London spans more than 680 acres along the Thames River. It serves as the primary East Coast homeport for the Navy's fast-attack submarine fleet, housing roughly 15 to 16 attack submarines.
The base plays host to more than 70 tenant commands, most notably the Naval Submarine School. Because it hosts the primary pipeline for undersea training—including the intense eight-week Basic Enlisted Sub School —virtually every officer and enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force will spend time stationed at Groton over the course of their career Today, Naval Submarine Base New London proudly claims its motto to be "The First and Finest."
Naval Submarine Base New London: Located in Groton, CT, which is part of the New London County, Connecticut area. Serves a large population of over 21,000 souls, including active-duty personnel, family members, Naval Reserve Units, an Army detachment, Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, civilian workers, contractors, and retirees.
Supports over 70 tenant commands, including Commander Submarine Group 2, Naval Submarine School, Naval Submarine Support Facility, three submarine squadron staffs, and housing and support facilities.
Sub Base Groton, CT, is known as "the Submarine Capital of the World" and is home to the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine.
Link: https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/naval-submarine-base-new-london
Link: https://portal.ct.gov/ChooseCT/Regions/New-London
New London is a city located in the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region of Connecticut. New London has a population of 28,310 in 2026. New London is currently growing at a rate of +1.14% annually. The average household income in New London is $59,098, with a poverty rate of 21.56%. The median age in New London is 34.7 years: 34.6 years for males, and 34.9 years for females.
The cost of living (2026) in New London is generally considered to be 17% higher than the national average.
Groton is a town in the Southeastern CT Planning Region of Connecticut. Groton has a population of 40,574 in 2026. Groton is currently growing at a rate of 2.28% annually. The average household income in Groton is $83,930, with a poverty rate of 10.65%. The median age in Groton is 36.8 years: 33.7 years for males, and 40.8 years for females.
The cost of living (2026): in Groton is considered 17% higher than the national average.
Comfort Index (climate) for the entire state is: 7.1 out of 10 referring to generally pleasant conditions, from mid-May to September, with 151 days of comfortable weather per year.
NOTE: It's important to know of the extreme seasonal variations (winter and summer).
Designated the Navy’s first submarine base in 1915, Naval Submarine Base New London currently occupies approximately 687 acres along the Thames River. The base has 11 submarine piers (Nine rated as fast-attack submarines and Two adequate). The base also is home to more than 70 diverse operational, training, and support commands, and employs more than 9,500 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel, accompanied by 12,000+ family members. Naval Submarine Base New London supports more than 1,500 public private venture family housing units on 530 acres. In addition, the United States Coast Guard Academy is located across the Thames River on the west bank, in New London, CT.
The 2026 population of New London, Connecticut, is projected to be approximately 28,727. This represents continued growth for the city, with an annual growth rate of 1.14%.
New London, CT population breakdown (projected 2026):
The median age in New London, Connecticut, is approximately 34.7 years,
The 2026 population of Groton, Connecticut, is projected to be approximately 40,574. This represents continued growth for the city, with an annual growth rate of 2.28%.
Groton, CT Population Breakdown (Projected 2026):
The median age in Groton, Connecticut, is approximately 36.8 years,
The State of Connecticut Department of Labor
The Naval Submarine Base New London is located in the southeastern corner of Connecticut in the County of New London. The base is nestled among picturesque historic villages and bustling urban centers in the city of Groton. Scenic coastlines, coupled with vintage cider mills and the largest nightclubs between New York and Boston are just a few of the attractions in the region. located in Groton, CT. is Known as the "Home of the Submarine Force," the base is positioned directly across from the city of New London. The southern New England cost of living is slightly high but can be easily offset by purposeful financial managing. The base operator's phone number is 860-694-3011 or DSN 312-694-3011.
Key Details Regarding Location: Address: 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06349.
Key Contact Numbers
The SUBASE is easily accessible from I-95 and is within an hour's drive from the major airports: Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT and T.F. Green Airport, Providence, RI. and is within 2 hour's drive from the major airports: Boston Logan, NYs JFK and LaGuardia airports.
Location & Access Points
The base spans roughly 687 acres across the towns of Groton and Ledyard. If you are navigating to the installation, you will target one of its main points:
Short Drive to: Many beaches in Rhode Island, Connecticut shopping malls, Waterford Speed bowl, State parks, Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Casino, - all within a 30-minute drive.
All visitors are required to enter the base via the Main Gate. The following rules apply: proceed directly to Building 500 (adjacent to the Main Gate) to obtain a vehicle pass. Service member or spouse must present a U.S. Department of Defense identification card, a valid driver’s license, current auto registration and proof of insurance. Service member should state the nature of your business (i.e. "reporting for duty"). Base security can assist you toward your destination or simply ask for the nearest base directory. Visit the local Fleet and Family Support Center to obtain a base map.
CHECKING IN
Personnel with orders should be in constant contact with their command-assigned sponsor. If you have not received a welcome aboard package from your sponsor, please get in touch with the command career counselor. You and your sponsor should coordinate travel arrangements to arrive safely and sound.
Sailors checking into Naval Submarine Base New London must report to their specific command for check-in instructions. For those unsure of their command, initial reporting procedures differ depending on arrival time and your particular assignment.
Where to Report (Working Hours)
After-Hours Arrival Procedures
General SUBASE personnel:
Once in the Groton area, report to the Submarine Base New London. If you arrive during regular working hours (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), report to the NIOD Groton quarterdeck in person with your orders. If you arrive after hours, please telephone NIOD Groton POOW at 860-625-1994 and leave your arrival information, including name, rate, the date, and arrival time. You will report to the command the next business day at 7 a.m.
Initial check-in location by command
Key steps and resources for new sailors
Complete in-processing: After reporting to your command, you will get an appointment for the Indoctrination Division, referred to as “I-DIV’, which provides initial training for newly reported Sailors. If you arrive during regular working hours, contact I-Div. at 860-694-1203; if you arrive after Hours, 860-694-3606.
Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always rely on the guidance provided by your sponsor and gain command.
In the U.S. Navy, "I-Div." is an indoctrination division for newly assigned sailors that provides training to prepare them for life and work on their first ship. It is a temporary assignment for sailors checking in for the first time, not a permanent department.
Key features of I-Div.:
Transitional period: It serves as a bridge for new sailors arriving at their first command after completing "A-school" (specialized training).
Essential qualifications: The division provides training and qualifications necessary to operate aboard the ship, which can include:
Administrative integration: The program also helps new sailors complete the required administrative tasks for checking into their new command.
Morale and familiarization: In addition to job-specific skills, I-Div. offers training on other important subjects, such as ship familiarization and alcohol awareness.
The goal of I-Div. is for sailors to arrive at their permanent divisions fully qualified and ready to focus on their specific job, or "rate," with a smooth transition into their new command
Important Check-in information
Before arranging any temporary lodging, please check into Navy Gateway Inns and Suites. Service Members, regardless of marital status, must ensure they receive either an endorsement of their orders or a Certificate of Non-Availability from NGIS. The endorsement or CNA, along with lodging receipts, must be submitted to Personnel Support Detachment for reimbursement of temporary lodging expenses on your travel claim. Failure to provide these documents may hinder your entitlement to reimbursement.
Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is located at 429 Tautog Ave, Bldg. 429, on the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT 06340. Access requires a valid military ID or authorized base access credentials. From I-95, take Exit 86, follow Route 12 South, enter the main gate, and follow signs for NGIS/Tautog Ave.
Website: Visit: https://cnrma.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/SUBASE-New-London/
Driving Directions:
Navy Inn is located at 429 Tautog Ave, Bldg. 429, on the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT 06340. Access requires a valid military ID or authorized base access credentials. From I-95, take Exit 86, follow Route 12 South, enter the main gate, and follow signs for NGIS/Tautog Ave.
Important Information: call the NGIS directly if you arrive late.
Gate Access: All visitors without a valid Department of War ID must be vetted for installation access.
Where to Report
Note: Be aware that the Navy Lodge New London is a separate facility located off base at 2 Proteus Avenue, approximately 1.5 miles from the main base. Ensure your reservation is specifically for the NGIS on-base location.
Enter the Base through the main gate. Proceed on Grayling Avenue and make a right onto Tang Avenue. Follow Tang past Navy Exchange gas station. Follow Tang to Tautog Avenue. Make the first right on Tautog into parking lot at O'Kane Hall Bldg. 429. O'Kane Hall is also the home of the NSB New London branch of Navy Federal Credit Union, https://navyfederal.org.
Directions NSB New London, Groton, CT
All visitors are required to enter the base via the Main Gate. The following basic rules apply:
Checking In
Each command has its own procedures for checking in. Your sponsor should let you know where to go to officially check into your command. Generally:
For more information on checking in, visit: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrma/installations/navsubbase_new_london/about/personnel_support_detachment/checkin_processing.html
Note: The SUBASE is easily accessible from I-95 and is within an hour's drive from the major airports: Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT and T.F. Green Airport, Providence, RI.
Groton/New London Airport, Groton, CT. Upon leaving the airport grounds, turn right on Tower Ave. and drive approximately 1 mile to a stop light and US 1. Take a left on US 1 and proceed north for approximately 5 miles. (US 1 will change to Hwy 12; stay on Hwy 12.) A large sign for subbase NLON is on the left side of Hwy 12. Take a left at the stop light and on to Crystal Lake Rd. Proceed to the main gate at the end of the road. Proximity to the site is about 5 miles.
Tweed New Haven Public Airport, or HVN, is located southeast of downtown New Haven, in New Haven County at 155 Burr St, New Haven, CT 06512. Get on I-95 N in East Haven from Burr St, Charter Oak Ave, Main St and US-1 N 8 min (2.4 mi), Follow I-95 N to Bridge St in Groton. Take Exit 85 from I-95 N 41 min (44.8 mi). Take Military Hwy to Grayling Ave 5 min (2.1 mi) Naval Submarine Base New London 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340.
T.F. Green Airport, Providence, RI. Follow signs from the airport to I-95 south to CT approximately 53 miles. Take exit 86 and turn right onto Route 12. Drive approximately 2 miles; at the fifth stop light, turn left on Crystal Lake Rd. Follow this road to the end and to the main gate. Proximity to site is about 54 miles.
Bradley International Airport, Hartford, CT. Starting at Bradley International Airport driving toward Hartford, CT, begin on US 75 for .8 miles. Turn left on CT-20 heading southeast. Take I-91 south into Hartford for approximately 10 miles to Exit 32 (I-84). (I-84 Eastbound is a left hand exit. Use caution!) Proceed on I-84E to Rte. 2 south to I-395. Take I-395 south to Exit 78 (Rte. 32). Follow Rte. 32 south into New London and I-95. Take I-95 north across the Gold Star Bridge to Exit 86 (a left lane exit). At the bottom of the ramp, turn right on US 12 and proceed north approximately 2 miles to Crystal Lake Rd. (From exit ramp, Crystal Lake Rd. is at the fifth stop light.) Take a left on Crystal Lake Rd. and drive to the end of the road; main gate on right. Proximity to site is about 66 miles.
Shuttle and Taxi Service: By bringing ride-share capabilities to the installation, Uber and Lyft are authorized public transportation providers who are able to pick up and drop off service members, and individuals with existing base access, at select areas within the NSB New London installation. Note: Upper Base access only!
From Points North (If Driving from ME, MA, NH or VT)
Follow I-95 south to CT. Take Exit 86; at the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto US 12 and proceed north approximately 2 miles to Crystal Lake Rd. (From exit ramp, Crystal Lake Rd. is at the fifth stop light.) Take a left on Crystal Lake Rd. and drive to the end of the road; main gate on right.
From Points South (If Driving from NY, NJ, MD, VA, etc.)
Take I-95 north into CT. Take Exit 86; at the bottom of ramp, turn right onto US 12 and proceed north approximately 2 miles to Crystal Lake Rd. (From exit ramp, Crystal Lake Rd. is at the fifth stop light.) Take a left on Crystal Lake Rd. and drive to the end of the road - main gate on right.
Boston, MA 02128 Get on I-90 W from Transportation Way, head southeast, slightly right, and use any lane to turn slightly left onto Transportation Way. Turn left onto the Williams Tunnel ramp to I-90 W/I-93. Follow I-90 W and I-395 S to CT-12 S in Preston. Merge onto I-90 W. Take Exit 90 for I-395 S/I-290 E toward Worcester. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-395 S/New London and merge onto I-395 S.
Entering Connecticut - Take Exit 9 for Connecticut 2 Alternate E toward Preston/Ledyard. Continue onto CT-2A E Follow CT-12 S to Grayling Ave in Groton Naval Submarine Base New London 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340.
John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, NY 11430. Get on JFK Expressway and head southeast on JFK Expressway. Take the exit toward Hold & Staging Areas. Turn left onto South Cargo Rd. S Cargo Rd turns left and becomes N Boundary Rd. Take the ramp on the left to Interstate 678/New York 878/Van Wyck Expressway/Nassau Expressway/Belt Parkway/New York 27. Take I-95 N to Bridge St in Groton. Take Exit 85 from I-95 N. Merge onto JFK Expressway. Take the Belt Parkway E exit on the left toward Eastern LI. Merge onto Belt Parkway, Take the exit toward Cross Island Parkway. Keep left to continue toward Cross Island Parkway. Continue onto Cross Island Parkway and use the right two lanes to take Exit 33 for I-295/Throgs Neck Bridge toward Bronx/New England. Merge onto I-295 N. Keep right at the fork to continue on I-695 N and follow signs for I-95 N/New Haven. Merge onto I-95 North.
Entering Connecticut - Keep right at the fork to stay on I-95 North and follow signs for New London/Providence. Take Exit 85 toward US-1 N/Thames St/Downtown/Groton. Keep right and follow signs for Groton/Waterfront. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Thames St/Groton Waterfront and merge onto Bridge Street. Take Military Hwy to Grayling Ave. Merge onto Bridge St. Turn right onto Fairview Ave. Make a slight left onto Military Hwy. Continue straight onto Grayling Ave. Naval Submarine Base New London; 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340.
LaGuardia Airport, Queens, NY 11371 Get on Grand Central Parkway. Head west and continue straight. Use the middle lane to turn left onto 94th Street. Use the right lane to take the Grand Central Parkway East ramp to Eastern Long Island. Take I-95 North to Bridge Street in Groton. Take Exit 85 from I-95 North and merge onto Grand Central Parkway. Take Exit 9E for Whitestone Expressway/NY-25A E/Northern Blvd toward I-678/Airport LGA. Keep left and follow signs for I-678/Van Wyck Expressway/Whitestone Bridge/Kennedy Airport. Continue onto Whitestone Expressway. Merge onto I-678 N. Continue onto Hutchinson River Pkwy N. Take Exit 4A to merge onto I-95 N toward New Haven.
Entering Connecticut - Keep right at the fork to stay on I-95 North and follow signs for New London/Providence. Take Exit 85 toward US-1 N/Thames St/Downtown/Groton. Keep right and follow signs for Groton/Waterfront. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Thames St/Groton Waterfront, and merge onto Bridge St. Take Military Hwy to Grayling Ave. Merge onto Bridge St. Turn right onto Fairview Ave. Make a slight left onto Military Hwy. Continue straight onto Grayling Ave. Naval Submarine Base New London 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340.
Boston Logan International Airport Boston, MA 02128. Get on I-90 W from Transportation Way. Head southeast, slightly right, and use any lane to turn slightly left onto Transportation Way. Turn left onto the Williams Tunnel ramp to I-90 W/I-93. Follow I-90 W and I-395 S to CT-12 S in Preston. Merge onto I-90 W. Take Exit 90 for I-395 S/I-290 E toward Worcester. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-395 S/New London and merge onto I-395 S.
Entering Connecticut from MA. Take Exit 9 for Connecticut 2 Alternate E toward Preston/Ledyard. Continue onto CT-2A E. Follow CT-12 S to Grayling Ave in Groton Naval Submarine Base New London 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340.
Contact Information
SUBASE Information:
Note: Please click the link below for the Naval Submarine Base New London Telephone Directory. All numbers are extensions, to dial.
Ride-Share comes to SUBASE
Currently authorized Public Transportation providers Uber and Lyft offer services that pick up and drop off Service members and individuals with existing base access to selected locations within the installation’s Upper Base areas. This provides a safe and reliable mode of transportation to the personnel living on SUBASE, especially young Sailors and junior Officers attending Naval Submarine School, who may not have vehicles.
Using the Call-to-Ride Service Call 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237): This service is available seven days a week from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and is designed for those without a smartphone.
NOTE: All authorized pick-up and drop-off locations on SUBASE are Upper Base only.
Traditional non-base access taxi and rideshare service options are available outside the Naval Submarine Base (NSB) front gate, including:
Naval Submarine Base New London, 1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, CT 06349. The "Upper Base" primarily hosts housing, the Navy Exchange, and administrative offices.
Core Contact Information:
Upper Base & Essential Services:
Note: Please click link below for the Naval Submarine Base New London Telephone Directory. All numbers are extensions to dial.