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

Hartford

Connecticut
81
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Hartford is 19% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,221/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 7%
$45,300/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 41%
$217,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 61%
$1,279/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 7%
119,970
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

32.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hartford, CT and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $18,600/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hartford is $217,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartford vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Hartford or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hartford and Wilmington?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,221/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Hartford or Wilmington?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $18,600/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and North Carolina?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Hartford or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Hartford has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hartford details → View Wilmington details →

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