Cost of Living: Ontario, CA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Ontario

California
152
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Ontario is 88% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,916/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 36%
$82,806/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 45%
$568,000 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 62%
$1,967/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 35%
178,347
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $37,506/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Hartford — common questions

Is Ontario or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Hartford?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $695/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Hartford?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $37,506/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Ontario or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Hartford

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington