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

Hartford

Connecticut
81
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Hartford is 33% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,221/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 22%
$45,300/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 30%
$217,200 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 31%
$1,279/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 21%
119,970
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

32.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hartford, CT and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $13,416/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hartford is $217,200 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartford vs Peoria — common questions

Is Hartford or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hartford and Peoria?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,221/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Hartford or Peoria?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $13,416/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Illinois?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Hartford or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Hartford has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,221/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hartford details → View Peoria details →

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