Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Chicago is 23% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,380/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 12%
$75,134/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 40%
$315,200 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 31%
$1,502/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 15%
2,707,648
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $29,834/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Hartford — common questions

Is Chicago or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Hartford?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Hartford?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $29,834/year higher in Chicago.
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 Chicago or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

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