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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Joliet is 16% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,237/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 5%
$88,026/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 41%
$248,600 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 25%
$1,472/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 14%
149,785
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

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $36,384/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Joliet or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Waterbury?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Waterbury?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $36,384/year higher in Joliet.
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 Joliet or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/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 Joliet details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Waterbury

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa