[europa]

I am in the beginning stages of planning a move to CT (from Chicago) and I recently used one of those online cost of living calculators that estimates various expenses in different parts of the country. Currently I live in a nice suburb of Chicago and I plan on moving to a suburb of Hartford. I own a 2br 2bth townhouse here and hope to either buy some land & build, or a single family house. Now, according to the calculator, it says the cost of living is higher in Hartford than in Chicago- for some reason that doesn't seem reasonable, but I may be wrong.

What are your opinions on cost of living and some expenses (e.g housing, food, transport, taxes, entertainment, etc)?

[skytrekker]

Housing costs between Hartford and Chicago are about the same- with Chicago a wee higher according to the NAR for 1st quarter 2007.

Hartford metro is usually higher west of Hartford, in towns like West Hartford, Avon, Farmington, Canton and Simsbury.

Towns to the south of Hartford are cost wise a hybrid between east and west of Hartford

Housing prices in central northern CT are cheapest east of Hartford and the Connecticut river. Towns like Vernon, Manchester, South Windsor, Ellington, Tolland etc -give you more bang for your buck.

If you are looking to buy land and build, the cheapest place near Hartford, would be east into Tolland county.

Food will be about the same here, with beef higher, but seafood lower. Taxes vary from town to town- but a home that has a market value of 300K here will cost about $3500-4500 a year.

Transportation? Public or?Entertainment- probably the same. Gasoline, the same or lower. Autos are taxed in CT once a year in the town you reside. There are no local taxes except for real estate and motor vehicles. There is a 6% sales tax; this excludes groceries and prescription drugs and clothes up to $70. There is a 4.5% state income tax.

[europa]

thanks Skytrekker, any other thoughts anyone?

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by europa

thanks Skytrekker, any other thoughts anyone?

Yes

more feedback is needed

Europa- prices here are near a parody with greater Chicago
visit us -I am sure you will like.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by europa

Now, according to the calculator, it says the cost of living is higher in Hartford than in Chicago- for some reason that doesn't seem reasonable, but I may be wrong.

What are your opinions on cost of living and some expenses (e.g housing, food, transport, taxes, entertainment, etc)?

This is interesting. I never did a comparison between Chicago and Hartford until now and am a bit surprised to see that the Insurance City is about 4% more expensive than the Windy City. Hard to believe. I know that Chicago is a big city and that it is very spread out, but you would still think it would be higher in housing costs than a second tier city like Hartford. I guess food is probably cheaper since so much of it comes from the midwest to begin with. I also know that some of the most expensive suburbs to live in are around Chicago, so it surprises me that housing costs are higher in CT. Anyway, the cost differences are somewhat minor and in the big picture negligible. Good luck with you move. Jay

[BogieOrangeman]

Originally Posted by JayCT

This is interesting. I never did a comparison between Chicago and Hartford until now and am a bit surprised to see that the Insurance City is about 4% more expensive than the Windy City. Hard to believe. I know that Chicago is a big city and that it is very spread out, but you would still think it would be higher in housing costs than a second tier city like Hartford. I guess food is probably cheaper since so much of it comes from the midwest to begin with. I also know that some of the most expensive suburbs to live in are around Chicago, so it surprises me that housing costs are higher in CT. Anyway, the cost differences are somewhat minor and in the big picture negligible. Good luck with you move. Jay

I also wonder if there's a stat to compare salaries in similar industries (like financial servies or something more specific). The cost differences may be more substantial if salaries are higher in a place like Chicago.

[Rhondaf]

Hi,
I am moving from Simsbury (west of Hartford) to the Chicago area, and from my perspective, you can get a bigger and nicer house for the money in the Hartford area.
Good luck, and I hope you love New England as much as I do.

[BogieOrangeman]

Originally Posted by Rhondaf

Hi,
I am moving from Simsbury (west of Hartford) to the Chicago area, and from my perspective, you can get a bigger and nicer house for the money in the Hartford area.
Good luck, and I hope you love New England as much as I do.

Please keep us up to date on your transition to New England, and how you can better compare and contrast the areas.

Thanks!

[europa]

Originally Posted by Rhondaf

Hi,
I am moving from Simsbury (west of Hartford) to the Chicago area, and from my perspective, you can get a bigger and nicer house for the money in the Hartford area.
Good luck, and I hope you love New England as much as I do.

Rhondaf,

What is the reason for your move? I know you haven't moved yet but can you share some of your thoughts on living in the Hartford area vs Chicago area?

[shasie01]

I moved here from a NW sub in Illinois.... It is a culture shock here and also I think you get less in a home for your money here or spend more to get as much as you had in Illinois. I find that CT is more expensive.

However this is not to discourage you if CT is where you desire to live welcome and make it your home. All the best.