Cost of Living in Hartford, WI
Population 15,761 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hartford sits on the smaller end of the Wisconsin city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Located 25 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Hartford falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 52% higher than Milwaukee's $172,000.
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 $261,300 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,095/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,252/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 56.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, Hartford has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% 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 | 27 | 30 | 42 | 56 | 68 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 59 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 24 | 35 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.73 | 0.69 | 1.72 | 2.79 | 3.31 | 4.14 | 3.40 | 3.45 | 2.86 | 2.54 | 1.84 | 0.92 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hartford, WI?
Hartford has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hartford, WI?
The median gross rent in Hartford is $1,095 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hartford?
The median home value in Hartford is $261,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hartford?
The median household income in Hartford is $74,252 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hartford, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hartford is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Hartford, WI affordable?
Yes, Hartford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Hartford?
Hartford has average high temperatures of 56.0°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 28.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hartford at a Glance
- Population
- 15,761
- Median Income
- $74,252
- Home Value
- $261,300
- Median Rent
- $1,095/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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