Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Philadelphia is 5% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,323/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 8%
$60,698/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 25%
$232,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 7%
$1,233/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 4%
1,582,432
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $15,398/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Hartford — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Hartford?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Hartford?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $15,398/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Connecticut?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Hartford details →

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