Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Springfield and Hartford have a similar cost of living.

$1,114/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 10%
$51,339/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 12%
$222,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 2%
$1,276/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ≈ Same
154,751
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $6,039/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Hartford — common questions

Is Springfield or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Hartford?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Hartford?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $6,039/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Hartford details →

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