Median rent is 37% lower in East Hartford ($1,184/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in East Hartford, where the median home runs $215,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $66,943 a year). Taken together, East Hartford is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 113.3 — about 18% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in East Hartford, CT.
Quick verdict
East Hartford is 18% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in East Hartford vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
East Hartford, CT
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from East Hartford, CT?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$91,919
You'd need $16,919 more (23% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
East Hartford
Connecticut
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in East Hartford — median rent of $1,184/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $215,400 in East Hartford — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Connecticut's top income tax rate is 6.99% versus 13.30% in California, so East Hartford is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.35% in Connecticut and 7.25% in California; East Hartford has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
East Hartford
Income tax: 6.99%
Sales tax: 6.35%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for East Hartford.
Pick East Hartford if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick East Hartford if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,184/mo median).
Pick East Hartford if you prioritize lower state income tax (6.99%).
Is East Hartford cheaper than Los Angeles?
East Hartford is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in East Hartford.
How much is rent in East Hartford vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,184/mo in East Hartford, CT and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. East Hartford, CT has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — East Hartford or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $66,943 in East Hartford, CT and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — East Hartford or Los Angeles?
Connecticut's top income tax rate is 6.99% and California's is 13.30%. East Hartford, CT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my East Hartford income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in East Hartford, CT is equivalent to roughly $122,559 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology