Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
37% cheaper
Hartford is 37% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $47,191 in Hartford.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Irvine sits at 294 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Irvine, a difference of $835,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $3,000 in Irvine.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Hartford scores 106 while Irvine scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Irvine (109).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $108,038 in Irvine. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Hartford.
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