Cleveland vs Hartford: cost of living compared
Hartford is 44% more expensive than Cleveland overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 5.5% in CT.
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
Moving between Cleveland and Hartford represents a substantial shift in overall cost of living. Cleveland is noticeably more affordable across the board, with its overall expenses being significantly lower than the national average. Hartford, in contrast, is considerably more expensive than the national average. The primary drivers of this difference are housing, utilities, and healthcare, which are all markedly higher in Hartford, contributing to a much bigger gap in total expenditures.
Housing
Housing costs present one of the most significant differences between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are considerably more expensive in Hartford. Cleveland offers a much more accessible housing market, with median home prices and rental rates being substantially lower. While both cities feature a mix of housing types, the financial barrier to entry for homeownership and tenancy is much higher in the Connecticut capital.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary significantly. Hartford residents face a higher state income tax rate compared to Cleveland. Beyond taxes, transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all more costly in Hartford. Utilities, in particular, show a much bigger gap, being considerably higher in Hartford. Healthcare expenses also stand out as being substantially greater there. Commute times, however, are roughly similar in both metropolitan areas.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities involves lifestyle adjustments. Both experience distinct four-season climates, though Cleveland's proximity to Lake Erie can bring more lake-effect snow. Hartford, nestled in New England, offers a different regional character. Both are established urban centers, but Hartford tends to have a higher overall density and a somewhat faster pace. Public transit options and walkability differ, but both require a car for many daily activities.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cleveland offers a significantly more budget-friendly environment. The savings on housing, utilities, and healthcare alone could be substantial, allowing for more disposable income or a lower overall financial burden. While Hartford has its own appeal, it comes with a considerably higher price tag across nearly all major spending categories, demanding a larger household budget to maintain a similar standard of living.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 118 |
| Housing index | 57 | 86 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 100 |
| Food index | 90 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 148 |
| Misc index | 82 | 108 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Average commute | 26 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.