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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Tempe is 48% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,623/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 25%
$77,643/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 42%
$421,900 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 49%
$1,554/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 18%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $402/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $4,824/year.

Median household income is $32,343/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Hartford — common questions

Is Tempe or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Hartford?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $402/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Hartford?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $32,343/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Hartford

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington