Hartford, Connecticut
In Hartford, Connecticut, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.88 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.43 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,534.9, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 3.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Hartford's cost-of-living index of 120 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.88
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$2,534.9
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
3.27%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$17.10
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.92 | $2.22 | $2.81 | $4.20 | $2.33 | +21.4% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.89 | $4.20 | $4.24 | $4.37 | $4.41 | +13.4% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.31 | $5.29 | $5.61 | $5.83 | $5.83 | +35.3% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.43 | $3.25 | $3.55 | $3.76 | $3.87 | +59.3% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $4.15 | $4.49 | $4.67 | $4.72 | $4.81 | +15.9% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.35 | $4.97 | $5.27 | $5.43 | $5.54 | +27.4% |
| Bacon (lb) | $7.16 | $7.66 | $8.04 | $8.19 | $8.52 | +19.0% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $6.33 | $6.96 | $7.17 | $7.46 | $7.46 | +17.9% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.65 | $1.99 | $2.09 | $2.13 | $2.13 | +29.1% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.63 | $5.38 | $5.60 | $5.60 | $5.60 | +21.0% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.90 | $10.68 | $11.65 | $12.11 | $12.60 | +41.6% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $4.10 | $4.84 | $5.27 | $5.64 | $5.75 | +40.2% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.28 | $4.49 | $4.72 | $4.86 | $5.01 | +17.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.67 | $4.90 | $5.10 | $5.15 | $5.20 | +11.3% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.33 | $2.58 | $2.71 | $2.82 | $2.85 | +22.3% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.98 | $2.16 | $2.33 | $2.47 | $2.54 | +28.3% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $6.12 | $7.73 | $8.18 | $8.59 | $8.59 | +40.4% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.35 | $4.79 | $5.08 | $5.28 | $5.39 | +23.9% |
| Cereal (family size) | $5.29 | $6.08 | $6.38 | $6.50 | $6.56 | +24.0% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.83 | $8.20 | $8.94 | $9.67 | $9.76 | +42.9% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$17.10
Casual Dining
$35.64
Monthly Spend
$544.67
+3.38% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $10.60
$17.10
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $11.97
$18.47
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $12.83
$19.15
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $6.17
$8.57
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Hartford?
Average 1BR: $2,325.6/mo · 2BR: $2,995.89/mo
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