Study Lists Hartford as ‘Most Expensive Place to Live in the US 2024

Fairfield County is typically home to the most expensive houses available in Connecticut, but a new study has just named two of our biggest cities outside of Fairfield County among the Top 5 of the Most Expensive Places to Live in the US for 2024-2025. 

U.S. News & World Report has deemed Connecticut's Capital City Hartford as the #1 Most Expensive Place to Live in the US for 2024-2025. The report also ranks Hartford at #148 in their Best Places to Live category, and #56 in their Best Places to Retire list. Value is where Hartford tanks, landing an overall score of 3.3 out of 10, with daily expenses like groceries and transportation higher than the national average, and Hartford's median home sale price being slightly above the national average.

New Haven also made the Top 5 in U.S. News & World Report's list, coming in as the 4th Most Expensive Place to Live in the US for 2024-2025. In between #1 Hartford and New Haven's #4 were #2 Los Angeles, and #3 Miami. New Haven ranked just one spot above Hartford in the Best Places to Live in the US category at #147, and was named as the #43 best place to retire in the US. Utilities, transportation, and day to day expenses are above the national average in New Haven, with an average median home price of $273, 625, and the average rent of $1,430.

Given the choice, I would choose living in New Haven over Hartford. New Haven never lets up with live entertainment, culture, and the world-class cuisine that has resonated nationally. Those few extra dollars will go a little further for you along the shoreline.