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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Arlington is 167% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,275/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 48%
$140,160/yr ↑ 171%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 63%
$864,800 ↑ 366%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 79%
$2,414/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 47%
235,463
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,095/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $13,140/year.

Median household income is $88,518/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Arlington or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Waterbury?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,095/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Waterbury?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $88,518/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Waterbury details →

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