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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Naperville is 81% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,852/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 34%
$150,937/yr ↑ 233%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 70%
$509,900 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 57%
$2,161/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 41%
149,424
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

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $105,637/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Hartford — common questions

Is Naperville or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Hartford?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Hartford?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $105,637/year higher in Naperville.
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 Naperville or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

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Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington