Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Cleveland is 33% cheaper than Waterbury.

$894/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 32%
$39,187/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↑ 32%
$94,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 97%
$866/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 47%
367,523
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $12,455/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Cleveland or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Waterbury?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Waterbury?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $12,455/year higher in Waterbury.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Connecticut?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Waterbury details →

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