Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Hartford and Modesto have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
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 Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Hartford scores 106 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Modesto (100).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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