Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Baltimore is 11% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,290/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 9%
$59,623/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 13%
$219,300 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 15%
$1,333/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 5%
577,193
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $7,981/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Baltimore or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Waterbury?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Waterbury?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $7,981/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Connecticut?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Waterbury details →

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