Hartford vs Raleigh: cost of living compared
Raleigh is 15% cheaper than Hartford overall. State income tax tops out around 4.5% in NC 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 noticeably higher than in Raleigh, which aligns closely with the national average. This difference is primarily driven by significantly higher utility costs and more expensive everyday goods and services in Hartford, despite housing costs being more favorable there. Raleigh offers a more budget-friendly environment for general expenses.
Housing
When comparing housing, Hartford presents a more affordable option for both buying and renting, with median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being lower. While the housing index suggests Hartford is cheaper, it's important to consider that property taxes and insurance costs can vary significantly, impacting the total cost of homeownership in both locations.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for items like groceries and healthcare are more expensive in Hartford, while Raleigh offers savings in these categories. Utilities, in particular, are substantially higher in Hartford. Transportation costs are roughly similar, and both metros have comparable average commute times. Raleigh also benefits from a slightly lower state income tax rate.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Hartford experiences four distinct seasons, including colder winters, while Raleigh enjoys a milder, more temperate climate with longer warm seasons. Both metros offer urban amenities and access to outdoor activities. Raleigh generally has a more sprawling character, while Hartford's core is more densely built. Public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles vary.
Bottom line
For household budgets, moving from Hartford to Raleigh generally means a reduction in overall expenses, particularly for utilities, groceries, and healthcare. While housing costs are lower in Hartford, the savings in other categories in Raleigh could lead to a more favorable financial outlook for many. The state income tax difference also contributes to Raleigh's affordability.
| Measure | Hartford, CT | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 100 |
| Housing index | 86 | 106 |
| Transportation index | 100 | 97 |
| Food index | 108 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 148 | 98 |
| Misc index | 108 | 90 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $388,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,350/mo | $1,500/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Raleigh home with the True Cost Calculator.