Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Clearwater is 38% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,539/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 23%
$64,440/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 20%
$326,100 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 43%
$1,411/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 10%
117,075
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $12,798/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Clearwater or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Waterbury?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Waterbury?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $12,798/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Connecticut?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Clearwater or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/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 Clearwater details → View Waterbury details →

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