Austin vs Hartford: cost of living compared
Hartford is about the same as Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; CT tops out around 5.5%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Austin and Hartford reveals a similar overall cost of living, but the underlying expenses differ significantly. The most substantial difference lies in housing, which is considerably more expensive in Austin. However, Hartford's higher costs for utilities, healthcare, and certain everyday goods, combined with its state income tax, balance out the overall picture, making the total burden roughly comparable between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present the starkest contrast. Both buying and renting are noticeably more expensive in Austin, with median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents showing a substantial gap. Hartford offers considerably more affordable housing options, whether purchasing a home or securing a rental. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, influencing the total cost of homeownership beyond the initial purchase price.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary across categories. While Austin has no state income tax, Hartford residents face a moderate state income tax, impacting take-home pay. Hartford's utilities and healthcare costs are higher, as are food and miscellaneous expenses. Transportation costs are somewhat higher in Austin, though commute times are similar. These differences mean that while housing is cheaper in Hartford, many other routine expenditures are more costly there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves lifestyle changes. Austin offers a warm climate with hot summers, known for its vibrant cultural scene and outdoor activities, often requiring vehicle use for mobility. Hartford experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters, and has a more traditional New England character with a denser urban core and some public transit options. Weather risks like hurricanes are more prevalent in the Gulf region for Austin.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the budget impact depends heavily on housing needs. If housing is the primary concern, Hartford offers a significant advantage. However, the savings on housing in Hartford are partially offset by higher costs for utilities, healthcare, and the presence of a state income tax. Austin's higher housing costs are balanced by lower expenses in several other categories and the absence of a state income tax, resulting in a similar overall financial outlay.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 118 |
| Housing index | 132 | 86 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 100 |
| Food index | 102 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 148 |
| Misc index | 102 | 108 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Hartford home with the True Cost Calculator.