Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Newark is 23% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,330/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 8%
$48,416/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 6%
$337,800 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 36%
$1,419/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 10%
307,188
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $3,116/year higher in Newark. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Hartford — common questions

Is Newark or Hartford 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 Newark and Hartford?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Hartford?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $3,116/year higher in Newark.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Hartford

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington