Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Ann Arbor is 59% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,552/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 24%
$81,089/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 36%
$435,100 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 57%
$1,638/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 22%
121,179
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $29,447/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Waterbury?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Waterbury?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $29,447/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Connecticut?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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 Ann Arbor details → View Waterbury details →

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