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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Rockford is 25% cheaper than Waterbury.

$954/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 24%
$53,328/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 3%
$120,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 53%
$947/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 34%
147,649
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

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $1,686/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Rockford or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Waterbury?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Waterbury?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $1,686/year higher in Rockford.
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 Rockford or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/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 Rockford details → View Waterbury details →

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