Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Austin is 76% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,655/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 29%
$91,461/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 44%
$512,700 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 64%
$1,747/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 27%
967,862
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $39,819/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Austin or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Waterbury?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Waterbury?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $39,819/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Waterbury details →

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