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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Cambridge is 214% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,742/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 57%
$126,469/yr ↑ 145%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 59%
$1,040,500 ↑ 461%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 82%
$2,634/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 52%
117,794
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,562/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $18,744/year.

Median household income is $74,827/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Cambridge or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Waterbury?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,562/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Waterbury?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $74,827/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Waterbury details →

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