Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Wilmington is 7% more affordable than Hartford. A $75,000 salary in Hartford is equivalent to $69,643 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Hartford scores 106 while Wilmington scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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