Denver vs Hartford: cost of living compared
Hartford is 8% cheaper than Denver overall. State income tax tops out around 4.4% in CO 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 Denver and Hartford involves a notable shift in overall expenses. Denver generally presents a higher cost of living, driven predominantly by its housing market. While some categories like utilities are more expensive in Hartford, the substantial difference in housing costs makes Denver the more expensive option for most households. This disparity is the primary factor influencing the overall budget comparison between these two metros.
Housing
Housing is considerably more expensive in Denver, whether buying a home or renting. Median home prices show a significant gap, and monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment are also notably higher in Denver. Hartford offers a much more affordable housing landscape, with a lower cost index for both ownership and rental. Denver's housing stock often includes more modern developments, while Hartford features a mix of historic and newer properties.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing show a mixed picture. Hartford's state income tax is somewhat higher than Denver's. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though Denver is slightly more expensive. Food and healthcare are a bit pricier in Hartford, but utilities are substantially more expensive there. Miscellaneous goods and services are comparable in both metros, meaning the impact on daily spending varies by category.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Denver offers a high-altitude, semi-arid climate with abundant sunshine and mountain access, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Hartford, in contrast, experiences four distinct seasons, including humid summers and snowy winters, typical of the Northeast. Both metros have average commute times that are quite similar. Denver's urban core is generally more dense and rapidly growing, while Hartford maintains a more traditional New England city feel.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the most significant financial impact will likely stem from housing costs. Denver demands a much larger portion of income for housing, while Hartford offers considerable savings in this area. However, Hartford's higher utility costs and slightly higher state income tax can offset some of those housing savings. Ultimately, a household's budget will stretch further in Hartford, primarily due to its more affordable housing market.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 118 |
| Housing index | 146 | 86 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 100 |
| Food index | 105 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 148 |
| Misc index | 108 | 108 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.