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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Naperville is 93% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,852/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 36%
$150,937/yr ↑ 192%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 66%
$509,900 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 64%
$2,161/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 41%
149,424
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

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $99,295/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Naperville or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Waterbury?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Waterbury?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $99,295/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 Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Waterbury details →

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