Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Alexandria is 97% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,031/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 42%
$113,638/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 55%
$696,800 ↑ 276%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 73%
$2,173/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 41%
156,788
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $851/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $10,212/year.

Median household income is $61,996/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Alexandria or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Waterbury?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $851/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Waterbury?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $61,996/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Connecticut?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Waterbury details →