Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Bakersfield is 37% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,371/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 14%
$77,397/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 33%
$347,300 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 47%
$1,540/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 17%
408,366
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $25,755/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Waterbury?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Waterbury?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $25,755/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Waterbury details →

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