Median rent is 12% lower in Hartford ($1,221/mo vs $1,392/mo). Buying is cheaper in Hartford, where the median home runs $217,200 versus $279,500. Households earn more in Middletown ($73,979 vs $45,300 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (92.5).
City A
Hartford, CT
City B
Middletown, CT
How much would you need to earn in Middletown, CT to maintain your standard of living from Hartford, CT?
Equivalent salary in Middletown, CT
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Hartford
Connecticut
Middletown
Connecticut
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Hartford at $1,221/mo compared to $1,392/mo in Middletown (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Middletown: the median home is $279,500 versus $217,200 in Hartford — 22% 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 6.99% in Connecticut, so Middletown is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.35% in Connecticut and 6.35% in Connecticut; Middletown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Hartford
Income tax: 6.99%
Sales tax: 6.35%
Middletown
Income tax: 6.99%
Sales tax: 6.35%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,979/yr).
Pick Hartford if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,221/mo median).
Is Hartford cheaper than Middletown?
Hartford is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 92.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Hartford.
How much is rent in Hartford vs Middletown?
Median rent is $1,221/mo in Hartford, CT and $1,392/mo in Middletown, CT. Hartford, CT has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Hartford or Middletown?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford, CT and $73,979 in Middletown, CT. Middletown, CT 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 — Hartford or Middletown?
Connecticut's top income tax rate is 6.99% and Connecticut's is 6.99%. Middletown, CT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Middletown to match my Hartford income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Hartford, CT is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Middletown, CT (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