Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Raleigh is 36% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,468/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 17%
$82,424/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 45%
$377,800 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 43%
$1,487/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 14%
470,763
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $37,124/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Hartford — common questions

Is Raleigh or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Hartford?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Hartford?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $37,124/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Hartford

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington