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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Chicago is 32% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,380/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 14%
$75,134/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 31%
$315,200 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 41%
$1,502/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 15%
2,707,648
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

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $23,492/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Chicago 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 Chicago and Waterbury?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Waterbury?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $23,492/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 Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Waterbury details →

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