Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Austin is 65% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,655/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 26%
$91,461/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 50%
$512,700 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 58%
$1,747/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 27%
967,862
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $46,161/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Hartford — common questions

Is Austin or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Hartford?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Hartford?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $46,161/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Hartford details →

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