Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Cary is 78% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,621/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 27%
$129,399/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 60%
$525,200 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 65%
$1,744/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 27%
176,686
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $77,757/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Cary or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Waterbury?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Waterbury?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $77,757/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Waterbury details →

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