Cost of Living: Hartford, CT vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Hartford

Connecticut
81
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Hartford is 33% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,221/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 23%
$45,300/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 45%
$217,200 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 29%
$1,279/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 24%
119,970
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

32.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hartford, CT and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $20,237/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hartford is $217,200 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartford vs Springfield — common questions

Is Hartford or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hartford and Springfield?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,221/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Hartford or Springfield?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $20,237/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Illinois?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Hartford or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Hartford has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hartford details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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