Cost of Living in Hartford, CT
Population 119,970 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hartford's median household income of $45,300 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (25% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hartford
The median home value in Hartford is $217,200 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,221/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,300/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Connecticut's top state income tax rate is 7.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.3°F and lows of 42.7°F. Overall, Hartford has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 48 | 60 | 71 | 80 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 64 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 64 | 56 | 44 | 35 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.94 | 2.57 | 3.51 | 3.79 | 3.43 | 3.88 | 3.87 | 3.48 | 3.97 | 4.20 | 3.44 | 3.75 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hartford, CT?
Hartford has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hartford, CT?
The median gross rent in Hartford is $1,221 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hartford?
The median home value in Hartford is $217,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hartford?
The median household income in Hartford is $45,300 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hartford, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hartford is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Hartford, CT affordable?
Yes, Hartford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Hartford?
Hartford has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 42.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hartford at a Glance
- Population
- 119,970
- Median Income
- $45,300
- Home Value
- $217,200
- Median Rent
- $1,221/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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