Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Denver is 81% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,770/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 31%
$91,681/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 51%
$586,700 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 63%
$1,839/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 30%
713,734
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $46,381/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Hartford — common questions

Is Denver or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Hartford?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Hartford?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $46,381/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Connecticut?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

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