Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Hartford is 32% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $50,909 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 Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $565,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Hartford scores 106 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Hartford.
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