Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Alexandria is 92% more expensive than Hartford.

$2,031/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 40%
$113,638/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 60%
$696,800 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 69%
$2,173/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 41%
156,788
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $68,338/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Hartford — common questions

Is Alexandria or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Hartford?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Hartford?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $68,338/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Connecticut?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Hartford details →