Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Aurora is 32% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,535/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 23%
$90,109/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 43%
$260,400 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 29%
$1,591/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 20%
179,867
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $38,467/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Aurora or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Waterbury?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Waterbury?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $38,467/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

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