Hartford vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 5% cheaper than Hartford overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA 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
Overall, the cost of living in Hartford is somewhat higher than in Philadelphia. This difference is largely driven by significantly elevated utility costs in Hartford, along with higher expenses for healthcare, food, and miscellaneous goods and services. While housing costs are a mixed picture, these other categories combine to make daily life in Hartford generally more expensive when considering all factors. Philadelphia offers a slightly more budget-friendly environment across several key spending areas.
Housing
When considering housing, median home prices are roughly similar in both metros. However, renting a one-bedroom apartment is noticeably more expensive in Philadelphia compared to Hartford. Hartford's housing index is lower, suggesting that other housing-related costs, such as property taxes or insurance, might be less impactful there, despite the similar median home price. Philadelphia's housing stock often includes dense urban rowhomes, while Hartford features a mix of urban and more suburban-style residences.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some clear differences. State income tax is considerably higher in Connecticut than in Pennsylvania, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs are lower in Hartford, where commutes are typically shorter and public transit options might be less extensive than in Philadelphia. However, Hartford residents face higher costs for food, healthcare, and particularly for utilities, which are substantially more expensive there. Miscellaneous goods and services also cost more in Hartford.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Hartford, as a smaller capital city, generally offers a more suburban feel with a shorter average commute, while Philadelphia is a much larger, denser metropolitan area with a longer average commute and extensive public transit. Both experience four distinct seasons, but Philadelphia's climate is slightly milder. Hartford's pace tends to be calmer, contrasting with the bustling urban environment of Philadelphia, which offers a broader array of cultural and entertainment options.
Bottom line
Moving between Hartford and Philadelphia involves a trade-off in household budgeting. While median home prices are comparable, renters will find Philadelphia more expensive. However, Philadelphia generally offers a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to significantly cheaper utilities, lower healthcare and food costs, and a more favorable state income tax rate. Hartford's higher costs in these daily spending categories mean that, despite potentially lower rent, a household budget may stretch further in Philadelphia when considering all expenses.
| Measure | Hartford, CT | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 112 |
| Housing index | 86 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 100 | 120 |
| Food index | 108 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 148 | 105 |
| Misc index | 108 | 102 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,350/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.