Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,181 in Connecticut versus $1,258 in Illinois. Overall, Connecticut runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $56,584 in Connecticut and $90,109 in Illinois — about 37% higher in Illinois. Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax; Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Connecticut vs Illinois — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Illinois?
- Connecticut is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,181 runs about 6% below Illinois's $1,258, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Connecticut than in Illinois?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $47,000 a year in Connecticut versus $50,000 in Illinois.
- Which has lower taxes, Connecticut or Illinois?
- Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Connecticut/Illinois — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.