Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Boston is 132% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,093/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 44%
$94,755/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 45%
$710,400 ↑ 283%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 74%
$2,176/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 41%
663,972
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $913/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $10,956/year.

Median household income is $43,113/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Boston or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Waterbury?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $913/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Waterbury?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $43,113/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Waterbury details →

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