Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Mesa is 12% more affordable than Hartford. A $75,000 salary in Hartford is equivalent to $66,295 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Hartford scores 106 while Mesa scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Mesa (95).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
Amazon affiliate links