Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Hartford is 26% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $55,263 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 · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $365,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Hartford scores 106 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Washington (105).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Hartford.
Amazon affiliate links