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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $616/month moving to Hartford, CT

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.6K in Hartford, CT

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↓ 8.2%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$616
Savings
Annual Impact
$7.4K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Springfield, MA

Population:154K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$294K

Hartford, CT

Population:120K
Cost Index:
92
(8% below avg)
Median Home:$217K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K residents.

Hartford, CT

The Constitution State

120K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 120K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Springfield, MA vs Hartford, CT

Housing
↓ 8.2%
Springfield, MA
$3,490
Hartford, CT
$3,203
Difference
$287
less
Transportation
↓ 8.2%
Springfield, MA
$1,346
Hartford, CT
$1,235
Difference
$111
less
Other
↓ 8.2%
Springfield, MA
$1,341
Hartford, CT
$1,231
Difference
$110
less
Groceries
↓ 4.2%
Springfield, MA
$925
Hartford, CT
$886
Difference
$38.82
less
Healthcare
↓ 4.2%
Springfield, MA
$637
Hartford, CT
$611
Difference
$26.74
less
All Utilities
↓ 4.2%
Springfield, MA
$614
Hartford, CT
$588
Difference
$25.75
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$809
To$703
↓ $106
1 Bed
From$915
To$806
↓ $109
2 Bed
From$1,150
To$1,018
↓ $132
3 Bed
From$1,409
To$1,219
↓ $190
Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/mo

Hartford, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$1,900/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,353
Monthly in Springfield, MA
$7,755
Monthly in Hartford, CT
$599
Difference

Home Values

Springfield
Hartford
$294K
Median Value
$217K
↑ +2.5%
YoY Change
↑ +6.1%
↑ +45.5%
5-Year Change
↑ +60.2%
$137K - $323K
Price Range
$111K - $247K

Homes in Hartford are 26% less expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - SpringfieldCalculate payment - Hartford

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $550
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$45.83
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.4%
Rate difference

Springfield, MA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Massachusetts State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Hartford, CT

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Connecticut State Tax
Effective: 5.4%
$8.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$45.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,745/month
$104.9K

Additional Tax Information

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

Hartford, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:2.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Springfield
Hartford
36 Good
Air Quality
36 Good
79.5%
Good Air Days
79.5%
94 Moderate
Climate Risk
94 Moderate
🌊🌅🌀
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days

What to Consider When Moving from Springfield, MA to Hartford, CT

Relocating from Springfield, MA to Hartford, CT involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 8% lower in Hartford, CT, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Hartford, CT is 8% cheaper than in Springfield, MA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Hartford, CT pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Hartford, CT to match your current standard of living in Springfield, MA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Hartford, CT for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Springfield, MA vs Hartford, CT

Is Hartford, CT cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Yes, Hartford, CT is about 8.2% cheaper than Springfield, MA. You could save approximately $616/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 8% lower in Hartford, CT.

What salary do I need in Hartford, CT to match my lifestyle in Springfield, MA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you would need approximately $142,607 in Hartford, CT to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,150/month in Springfield, MA compared to $1,018/month in Hartford, CT. One-bedroom apartments are $915/month in Springfield, MA vs $806/month in Hartford, CT. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Springfield, MA or Hartford, CT?

Groceries are about 4% cheaper in Hartford, CT than in Springfield, MA, saving a typical household roughly $38.82/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Springfield, MA to Hartford, CT?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Massachusetts and Connecticut on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Springfield, MA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $1,543/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $1,543/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $1,406/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $1,337/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $1,337/mo

Similar cost to Hartford, CT

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