Boston, MA vs Hartford, CT: Cost of Living Comparison
Hartford has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Boston | Hartford | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 158 | 76 | Hartford |
| Housing | 204 ($1,465) | 62 ($855) | Hartford |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 114 ($3.50) | Boston |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 61 ($250) | Hartford |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 81 ($112) | Hartford |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 81 ($81) | Hartford |
| Median annual wage | 131 ($63,590) | 123 ($59,690) | Hartford |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston, MA or Hartford, CT cheaper to live in?
Hartford, CT is cheaper overall by about 82 index points (Boston, MA: 158, Hartford, CT: 76; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Boston, MA vs Hartford, CT?
A single adult needs roughly $55,300/year in Boston, MA and $26,600/year in Hartford, CT to cover basic living costs.