Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Denver is 93% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,770/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 33%
$91,681/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 44%
$586,700 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 68%
$1,839/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 31%
713,734
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $590/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $7,080/year.

Median household income is $40,039/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Denver or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Waterbury?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $590/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Waterbury?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $40,039/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Connecticut?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Waterbury details →

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