Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Madison is 27% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,364/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 10%
$76,983/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 41%
$346,900 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 37%
$1,476/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 13%
275,568
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $31,683/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Hartford — common questions

Is Madison or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Hartford?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Hartford?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $31,683/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Hartford details →

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