A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
0%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Hartford Wisconsin National
Cost of living9996100
Groceries10099100
Health care9798100
Housing10089100
Transportation9898100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10198100
Household Items10199100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hartford, WI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hartford is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Hartford is 99, which is 1% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Hartford are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Hartford can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Hartford Affordable?

Is Hartford an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Hartford, the median home price is 5.5% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 13% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Hartford come in at $91,719, which is 12.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hartford?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Hartford, the utilities index stands at 0.8% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Hartford, the groceries index is 0.3% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Hartford, the housing index stands at 0% equal to the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Hartford shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hartford is 4% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Hartford is 1% lower than the national average
  • Hartford housing is equal to the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 36% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Hartford

See all the best places to live around Hartford

Compare Hartford, WI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$122,509$10,209$2,858$3,676
      Renters$54,686$4,557$1,276$1,641
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Hartford is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Hartford has a median income of about $122,509 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,858 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $54,686. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,276 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Wisconsin Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wisconsin 5% 6.75%

      Wisconsin Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wisconsin 3.54% 7.65%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Theresa, WI1,235918.8%
      Horicon, WI3,709927.6%
      Mayville, WI4,992937.3%
      Neosho, WI660945.9%
      Lannon, WI1,221946.0%
      Hartford, WI15,591990.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Elk Plain, WA15,58712222.1%
      Swampscott, MA15,59915857.6%
      St. Augustine, FL15,58111616.5%
      Graham, NC15,581937.0%
      Belvedere Park, GA15,6041021.7%
      Hartford, WI15,591990.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.