Cost of Living: Bridgeport, CT vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Bridgeport is 16% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,405/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 13%
$56,584/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 20%
$252,400 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 14%
$1,475/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 13%
148,012
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bridgeport, CT and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 94 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $11,284/year higher in Bridgeport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bridgeport is $252,400 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridgeport vs Hartford — common questions

Is Bridgeport or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bridgeport and Hartford?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Bridgeport or Hartford?
Median household income is $56,584 in Bridgeport and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $11,284/year higher in Bridgeport.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Connecticut?
Both cities are in Connecticut and share the same state tax rates: 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bridgeport or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with median rent of $1,405/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 Bridgeport details → View Hartford details →

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