Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Houston is 9% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,313/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 7%
$62,894/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 28%
$253,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 14%
$1,316/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 3%
2,300,419
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $17,594/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Hartford — common questions

Is Houston or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Hartford?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Hartford?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $17,594/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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More Comparisons

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