Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Durham is 30% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,412/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 14%
$79,234/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 43%
$355,300 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 39%
$1,434/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 11%
288,465
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State 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 Durham, NC and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $33,934/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Hartford — common questions

Is Durham or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Hartford?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Hartford?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $33,934/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Durham or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Hartford details →

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