Skyline of Hartford
Cost of Living: 105 121,000

Hartford, CT, US

Insurance capital of America with historic architecture, the Mark Twain House, and riverfront.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Hartford is a city in CT with a population of 121,000. Insurance capital of America with historic architecture, the Mark Twain House, and riverfront. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The population skews young, with a median age of 33.4.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 105

Above Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income $55,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Hartford vs US Average

Cost of Living
Hartford: 105
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Hartford: 110
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Hartford: 5.5%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.5%
  • Sales Tax: 6.3%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $55,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 121,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 190/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 20°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $250,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1300/mo

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Cost of Living

Hartford's cost of living index is 105 (US average = 100).

CategoryHartfordNational AverageDifference
Overall105100+5.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$250,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1300/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,625/mo
Price per Sq Ft$166

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Hartford:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$219Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$114Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$75Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$75Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$483Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Hartford scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
105
Rent
$1300
Sunny Days
190
Tax
5.5%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
84°F / 20°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
121,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Hartford has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January40°F20°F2.5"
April69°F35°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F38°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Hartford faces the following natural hazards:

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms.

Flood High Risk

River flooding.

Hurricane Moderate Risk

Inland effects from hurricanes.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.5%
  • Sales Tax: 6.35%
  • Property Tax: ~2.14% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

44/100
School Quality Score
Better than 29% of US cities
?
47
Total Schools
10.7:1
Student:Teacher
95.2%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Universities & Higher Education

4
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Hartford is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
2.2%
Black or African American
33.8%
Hispanic or Latino
44.8%
Native American
0.1%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.1%
Other
0.7%
Two or more races
2.4%
White
15.9%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
18.3%
High school graduate
31.9%
Less than high school
25.7%
Some college
24.1%

Religion

Christian
60.0%
Jewish
4.0%
Other
6.0%
Unaffiliated
30.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hartford, CT, US?

The cost of living index in Hartford is 105, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Hartford?

The median home price in Hartford is $250,000. The housing index is 110.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hartford is approximately $1300/mo.

Does Hartford, CT have income tax?

Hartford is in CT, which has an income tax rate of 5.5%.

What is the climate like in Hartford?

Hartford enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 20°F.

Relocation Guides

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.