Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Surprise is 56% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,917/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 36%
$93,371/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 51%
$396,000 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 45%
$1,587/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 19%
149,519
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $48,071/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Hartford — common questions

Is Surprise or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Hartford?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Hartford?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $48,071/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Connecticut?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Hartford

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington