Cost of Living: Bridgeport, CT vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Bridgeport is 24% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,405/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 16%
$56,584/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 9%
$252,400 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 27%
$1,475/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 14%
148,012
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bridgeport, CT and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 94 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $4,942/year higher in Bridgeport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bridgeport is $252,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridgeport vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Bridgeport or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bridgeport and Waterbury?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Bridgeport or Waterbury?
Median household income is $56,584 in Bridgeport and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $4,942/year higher in Bridgeport.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Connecticut?
Both cities are in Connecticut and share the same state tax rates: 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bridgeport or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with median rent of $1,405/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 Bridgeport details → View Waterbury details →

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