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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Durham is 38% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,412/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 16%
$79,234/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 35%
$355,300 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 48%
$1,434/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 11%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $27,592/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Durham 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 Durham and Waterbury?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Waterbury?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $27,592/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Waterbury details →

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