U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Hartford the most expensive place to live in the United States based its ratio of housing costs to median household income compared to similarly sized cities.
Based on the methodology, Hartford scored above Los Angeles (No. 2), Miami (No. 3) and New York City (No. 5) in terms of its value and affordability.
New Haven ranked No. 4, with a higher median household income ($59,436) than Hartford, but also a higher median monthly rent ($1,430).
The magazine gave Hartford a 3.3 score for its value, but a 7 for its quality of life (New Haven scored 3.7 for value and 6.6 for quality of life).
Hartford’s median monthly rent was $1,193 and its median household income was $46,377 in 2024, according to the magazine’s data.
The magazine also had nice things to say about Connecticut’s capital city.
“Don’t let the historic architecture fool you: Even as one of the oldest cities in America, Hartford has a lot to offer, both old and new,” the magazine wrote.
It noted the city’s cultural gems, including the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and the historic homes of authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
It also credited Hartford for its downtown entertainment venues and landmarks, along with its vast selection of cuisine ranging from Brazilian to Asian fusion.
